News

FSA aids drought-stricken counties

Abnormal to severe drought in the northern third of the state qualifies livestock producers in four Missouri counties for financial assistance.

“FSA is currently offering the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and that is to address farmers and ranchers experiencing severe drought conditions,” acting Executive Director of Missouri FSA Kim Viers said.

“What we do is provide cost share assistance to those producers who absolutely could not afford to provide emergency water to their livestock operations.”

Viers tells Brownfield Ag News the four counties are: Caldwell, Daviess, Dekalb and Holt.

“FSA offers a 50-percent cost share for installing these eligible temporary measures. They include: installing pipeline or other facilities for livestock water, constructing and deepening wells, and even in some cases developing springs or seeps for livestock water.”

Viers expects more Missouri counties to qualify if the dry weather continues. She says producers need to contact their local FSA offices to apply.