With nearly half of Missouri’s 114 counties — including much of Southeast Missouri — dealing with a drought, Gov. Mike Parson took steps Thursday to accelerate the state’s response to the dry conditions.
Parson issued Executive Order 22-04, which calls upon the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and associated drought impact teams.
“I know on my farm that conditions have deteriorated quickly, and we are hearing the same reports from countless other farm and ranch families across the state,” Parson said. “By responding now, early in this drought, we can greatly reduce the impact on our agricultural community and Missouri citizens.
“Our farmers are a critical resource for our state, and it is important that we assist them as much as possible through this difficult time.”
Parson’s executive order declares a drought alert for 53 counties — 46% of the Missouri’s counties — in southern and central Missouri, primarily counties south of the Missouri River. The drought alert is part of Missouri’s Drought Plan and is the initial catalyst that allows the governor to direct state agencies to work together and provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.
Parson also directed the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Department of Conservation to make a way to allow farmers water access at state parks and conservation areas. The DNR also will assess state park areas that can be made available for producing that. In addition, MoDOT will offer special over-width hauling permits, which waive certain fees and restrictions to farmers and ranchers moving hay.
The state’s Soil and Water Conservation Commission also will hold a special session Monday to consider assistance and variances that can be provided to help Missouri’s agriculture producers.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor released Tuesday, every county in Southeast Missouri is either in a drought or is listed as abnormally dry. Eight counties — Butler, Carter, Ripley, Stoddard, Reynolds, Scott, Mississippi and New Madrid — are experiencing severe drought conditions in some part of the county. Additionally, extreme western Ripley County and the southwestern corner of Carter County are listed as being in an extreme drought.
“Drought conditions in many parts of Missouri compound the challenges producers are already facing with high fuel prices and input costs,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. “Livestock producers are having to make difficult decisions about selling livestock because there is no pasture in many areas. Grain farmers are watching their crops wither before pollination. Conditions are difficult for many Missouri farmers and ranchers.”
Parson also has directed all state agencies to examine how affected communities might be aided by temporary suspension of administrative rules, appropriation, or other means of support to mitigate the effects of the drought.
However, farmers and ranchers are not the only ones feeling the negative effects of the Drought of 2022.
“In addition to the impacts on Missouri farmers and agriculture, drought conditions are causing an increase in wildfires and wildfire risk, particularly across southern Missouri the last few weeks,” Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley said. “The department works closely with 775 rural fire departments to fight wildfires in Missouri. We ask Missourians to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires and report any wildfires you observe to your local fire department or sheriff department, especially during times of drought.”
On a positive note, the drought has not hit Poplar Bluff and Butler County as hard as some areas. Poplar Bluff itself and most of the county are listed as experiencing moderate drought conditions, with only the extreme southwestern part of the county experiencing a severe drought.
“The Fourth of July, it was an issue because we were really dry at that time and (there were) fireworks,” Poplar Bluff Fire Department Chief Mike Moffitt said. “We had multiple grass fires that weekend, but since then, it’s not been that much of an issue because we have had intermittent periods of rain.”
Moffitt said the city currently has no plans to issue a burn ban.
“I have discussed it with the city manager, but at this time we’re not ready to issue a burn ban,” Moffitt said. “We probably won’t, but if it gets bad enough we might ask city residents... to refrain from burning.”
Butler County Fire Chief Bob Fredwell also said the county is not planning to issue a burn ban, but the department is urging residents to refrain from burning.
Fredwell said the county fire department also has not had any major fire issues with the dry weather, though he added the heat has made staying hydrated a priority.
“We’ve have a few small grass fires — not anything major — but this heat is hard on firefighters,” Fredwell said. “Even during a good grass fire, (after) 10-15 minutes, you’re done (and have to rest).”
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