
In response to the increasingly dry conditions and the growing threat of serious drought, Governor Mike Parson has declared a drought emergency for 53 counties in southern and central Missouri. He has directed all state agencies to examine how they might assist affected communities, as well as those communities that may be affected in the future through temporary suspension of the rules, appropriation, or other means of support to mitigate efforts to drought communities. The governor, a farmer himself, said they've found that the more proactive they can be, the less impact the drought will have. The drought is particularly affecting a large portion of the state's cattle and crop industries. In addition, the governor has directed the Department of Natural Resources to create a process for allowing farmers water access at state parks and conservation areas.
Additional drought resources can be found here.