In response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced the availability of water for family farms at 28 Missouri Department of Conservation areas and five Missouri Department of Natural Resources state parks. Parson also announced the creation of a lottery for farmers interested in haying, free of charge, on almost 900 acres of Missouri State Parks lands.

Up to 5,000 gallons of water may be pumped daily, per family farm. Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment. To make arrangements to pump water, call 573-751-4115, ext. 3209. Additional information, along with maps showing locations for the pumping of water and for haying, are available at https://dnr.mo.gov/droughtresources.htm.

WHERE TO GO: This map shows lakes that are available for pumping after Gov. Mike Parson opened the state parks to livestock farmers in drought areas.

The lottery for haying at Missouri state parks is open and runs through Aug. 25. The DNR will announce lottery results on Aug. 27. Additional details are available at the drought assistance navigation page.

GET IN ON LOTTERY: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is also opening state parks for haying. Farmers must enroll in the lottery by Aug. 25 to be eligible.

Both programs are for Missouri landowners only.

On July 18, Parson issued Executive Order 18-05, which declared a drought alert for 47 Missouri counties. As of Aug. 14, every county in Missouri has been affected by dry to exceptionally dry conditions, and 86 counties are now considered to be in drought alert.

The Missouri departments of Natural Resources, Conservation, Agriculture and others are working together to provide information and resources to the agriculture community and towns affected by drought.

Visit the DNR drought website for information about drought conditions, agriculture and drinking water assistance, and resources at https://dnr.mo.gov/drought.htm.

Citizens are encouraged to submit information about drought-related conditions and impacts in Missouri using the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter online. Information will be used to inform drought maps provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor for Missouri.

Source: Office of Missouri Governor