In response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state and upon the advice of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, Governor Mike Parson announced the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water:
-Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks.
-Boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) areas are also now open for water collection.
-The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is offering special overwidth hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay.

Water may be accessed from state park and MDC boat launches and water access points during normal operational hours. Contacting MDC area managers prior to collecting water from conservation areas is required. Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment.

Missouri state parks with haying opportunities are available to view online at mostateparks.com/drought. Anyone interested in obtaining hay from these locations can contact the park superintendent to view the designated area. The first person who views the area and wants the hay will be issued a license to cut the hay at no cost. Guidelines and boundaries for cutting the hay on state park property will be provided at that time. Signing a license is required before haying can begin. Missouri State Parks will allow haying on or after June 25, and hay must be removed before September 25.

On May 31, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 23-05, declaring a drought alert for 60 Missouri counties. Continuing hot, dry weather means drought conditions are expected to further degrade heading into summer. Other counties will be added to the alert and be eligible for assistance as they reach established drought thresholds.