Throughout the state, the drought has continued to have adverse effects on farmers and livestock producers.
Many assistance programs have been made available to help them through this difficult season, from opening water resources to an emergency cover crop program.
Every county in Missouri has been affected by dry to exceptionally dry conditions since Aug. 14, and 86 counties are now considered in drought alert.
In response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state, Parson announced the availability of water for family farms at 28 Department of Conservation areas and five Department of Natural Resources state parks last week.
Farmers who want to make arrangements to pump water can contact DNR.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service also enacted an emergency cover crop program to assist those who have been affected by the drought last month.
Farmers and livestock producers can apply still apply for the cover crop assistance at local NRCS offices until Friday.
Along with programs aimed at assisting Missouri farmers, DNR has also enacted a program in the hopes of addressing public drinking water systems that have been negatively affected by the drought.
The emergency program provides financial assistance to eligible communities experiencing the loss or potential loss of critical drinking water services or facilities.
Funds are available for the construction, reconstruction, replacement, rehabilitation, temporary repair, temporary connection or improvement necessary to continue or restore operation of a public water system and provide safe drinking water to a system within a state designated drought alert area.