Hot, dry conditions are happening across southern Missouri. While it is hot for people, those raising livestock have an even harder time keeping their livestock hydrated. Representative Jason Smith knows what it is like to water cattle when it does not rain. As temperatures soared into the 100s last week, ponds dried up, adding to the difficulty. However, Smith is working to assist farmers. Here is what he said.
Drought conditions are worsening across southern Missouri. Pastures are drying up, water supplies are dissipating, and livestock producers are facing unexpected feed costs. The One Big Beautiful Bill strengthened the Livestock Forage Disaster Program so assistance can reach producers sooner. These designations matter because they help determine eligibility for federal drought assistance. Previously, a county has to experience eight consecutive weeks of D2 severe drought before producers qualified for a one-month payment. That threshhold has been cut to four consecutive weeks, and producers can now qualify for a two-month payment when D2 conditions persist for seven out of eight weeks.
For more information on how to receive assistance, visit his site here.
Right now, Oregon County, Missouri, is in dry to drought conditions. In Oregon County, 57.6% of people are affected by the drought, higher than last week and last month.
