Governor Mike Kehoe’s recent executive order declaring a drought alert in the state of Missouri until December 1 has opened up resources to help producers manage costs and protect their operations.

Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-29 on September 22. Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 85 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The executive order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any additional county that begins experiencing moderate drought conditions.

Missouri farmers will have access to assistance from state and federal programs to help mitigate the impacts of the drought conditions. This includes free water access at select Missouri State Parks for livestock and numerous federal programs offering assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Additionally, there are local agencies that can provide assistance, such as the Farm Service Agency, Soil and Water Conservation District, and MU Extension in the KMMO listening area.

Farmers are encouraged to keep receipts, document extra costs, and contact local offices to learn which programs they qualify for.