"We’re still in winter and there is time for notable improvement," Guinan said.
The statewide average precipitation for the period was 8.3 inches — slightly more than half the normal of 15.9 inches.
Ellis said the lack of rainfall last fall will affect the hay and forage growth this spring.
"If there’s a high drought, it may be more feasible to sell off some animals — although you need to consider tax ramifications.
It’s not going to be very good for our hay crop or pastures," she added.
In 2016, it was 1.3 inches, and 4.06 in 2017, slightly better but less than half as much as in June 2015.
MU Extension specialists from east-central, southeastern and south-central Missouri reported drought impacts to Guinan in the fall.
Because of dry conditions, farmers started feeding hay earlier in the season than normal, Probert said.
How to help Guinan encouraged Missourians to participate in the drought assessment process and submit information to the Drought Mitigation Center’s Drought Impact Reporter at droughtreporter.unl.edu/map.
Guinan suggests the following resources for those following Missouri’s drought conditions: National Drought Mitigation Center’s Drought Impact Reporter, droughtreporter.unl.edu/map.