A brief rain shower at the end of last week will likely not improve the drought status in Missouri, as 47 counties continue to be under the grips of dry conditions.

According to the July 17 U.S. Drought Monitor Index, 42% of the state is experiencing moderate to extreme drought. The hardest-hit region is in northern Missouri, where 21 counties were experiencing extreme drought intensity — just one level down from exceptional.

Missouri now has 42% of the state experiencing drought conditions. The northern part is seeing extremely dry circumstances, stressing forage and water supplies for livestock producers.

The lack of precipitation prompted Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to activate the Drought Assessment Committee, which monitors drought conditions and coordinates relief programs, and declare a Drought Alert for 47 Missouri counties.

Parson says early response to drought conditions will reduce the impact on the agriculture community. He noted those suffering the most include farmers seeking forage and water for livestock.

There is help. In June, the Department of Natural Resources Soil and Water Districts Commission granted a statewide variance allowing grazing practices on land normally excluded from livestock. Then last week, the Natural Resources Conservation Service offered $2 million in funding for farmers to plant cover crops to help with feed and forage this fall and winter.

Cover crops established under the emergency initiative offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program may be grazed or hayed. Farmers and ranchers in any of the counties affected by drought can apply for assistance at local NRCS offices until Aug. 31.

The NRCS will use the U.S. Drought Monitor Report to determine eligibility. Applications for assistance in counties with the more severe drought conditions will be given priority, according to J.R. Flores, state conservationist.

“Missouri has severe drought conditions — among the worst in the Midwest — and we believe that seeding cover crops into pastures and cropland will at least offer our farmers and ranchers a chance of providing feed and forage over the next few months,” Flores says. “We are focusing on what we can do to provide the most assistance in the quickest manner.”

For more information on the Missouri Drought Plan, visit dnr.mo.gov/drought.htm.