Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering said almost all regions of the state are facing serious drought conditions. He is concerned the drought monitor isn’t adequately reflecting reality.
“While very spotty and sporadic, there has been just enough rain to keep drought stricken areas out of the D3 drought declaration for more than a week,” said Deering. “Several emergency programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies will not be triggered unless an area falls under D3 status for a longer period of time.”
The association is calling on its members impacted by drought conditions to submit reports to the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska in order for local conditions to be accurately identified.
“Decisions must be based on reality and it is very important that reports from the ground are submitted. Submitting a report is very easy and takes very little time,” said Deering. “I also encourage submitting a photo with your report, but it is not required. The University of Nebraska does an exceptional job running the center, but it is critical they receive data from the ground.”
Reports can be submitted at droughtreporter.unl.edu.
