Missouri's 120th State Fair opened in Sedalia on Friday, with Gov. Mike Parson in attendance. The fair comes at a time when many farmers in the state are struggling with drought conditions.
Parson acknowledged the challenges facing farmers but urged them to "stay the course." He said that droughts like this can affect farmers all the way into the winter, but that Missouri farmers are resilient and will find a way to overcome the challenges.
One farmer who is facing the drought head-on is Matthew Klein. Klein is showcasing his livestock at the state fair for the first time, and he says that his farm has been doing everything it can to keep itself functioning despite the dry conditions.
Klein said that throughout the year, they have been building up their fertilizer program on their farm. They have built it up pretty well now, to the point where they have some pretty good grass and good nutrients.
It's important for farmers to stay positive and to keep working hard, even in the face of adversity. He is grateful for the rain that the state has received recently, and he is hopeful that the drought will soon be over.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Drought Assessment Committee is set to meet on August 22 to discuss the drought conditions in the state. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that nearly 91% of Missouri is experiencing dry conditions, with almost a third of the state experiencing severe drought or worse. Rainy conditions throughout the week could have caused the change in conditions.
Photo Credit: Missouri State Fair
Categories: Missouri, Rural Lifestyle