JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 28, 2018 - On Monday, the Department of Natural Resources drew hay lottery winners from applicants interested in cutting hay at 17 Missouri state parks. The winners have been notified and are listed at https://mostateparks.com/drought#results.
This emergency program follows Governor Mike Parson’s announcement last week of the creation of a lottery for farmers to cut hay, free of charge, on almost 1,000 acres of state land.
In response to worsening drought conditions in Missouri, Governor Parson also made emergency water access available for family farms at 28 Department of Conservation areas and five Department of Natural Resources state parks. Up to 5,000 gallons of water may be pumped daily, per family farm. Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment. Locate water hauling access areas and get contact information for individual sites online at https://dnr.mo.gov/droughtresources.htm.
Visit the department’s drought website for information about drought conditions, agriculture and drinking water assistance, and resources at https://dnr.mo.gov/drought.htm.
Citizens are encouraged to submit information about drought-related conditions and impacts in Missouri using the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter online at https://bit.ly/2OdCcHd. Information will be used to inform drought maps provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor for Missouri (https://bit.ly/2PO7UMf).