It is certainly not difficult to notice that Missouri is suffering under an oppressive wave of heat that is putting a strain on our state’s No. 1 industry. Agriculture is the financial cornerstone of our state’s economy. The current weather trend is causing serious damage to this industry, as well as potential future effects, including rising costs relating to food. This heat trend is the worst since 1956, according to the National Weather Service, with the state setting a near record string of days reaching higher than 90 degree temperatures with only 46 percent of average rainfall across the state.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn production in our country is deteriorating rapidly, dropping 9 percent compared to the weekly crop progress last week. In addition, soybeans have fallen from 40 percent to 34 percent in crop excellence in the last week. With no end to this harsh heat in sight, frustrations are running high as crops wither in the ground.
This week, the USDA declared all counties in Missouri as disaster areas due to statewide heat and drought conditions. Eligible farmers will be able to seek assistance from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans. By keeping track of losses and additional costs incurred by dealing with the ravaging weather, farmers and ranchers will have information necessary to request assistance from the FSA or any of the other federal assistance programs within the eight months following the disaster declaration.
The USDA is also lessening restrictions on farmers enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program by reducing rental payments on those who use conservation lands for grazing. The hope is that this move will allow more flexibility in farmers’ assets in this difficult time.
Here in Missouri, the State Treasurer’s Office has adopted a system last year to assist those in need of aid. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program works with banks in order to save Missouri jobs, strengthen our communities and further develop the economy. With the current unfortunate outlook, many local communities may be in need in the near future. In order to hasten the processing of loan applications under this program, the Harmed-Area Emergency Loan Priority, or HELP, system was developed and put into place, ensuring that loan applications will be reviewed for approval within 24 hours of submission of a completed application.
Other steps are currently underway to assist our state’s agriculture industry. Next week, the Soil and Water Commission is planning to meet in order to bring up alternatives to offer farmers and ranchers, as well as looking at providing emergency funds to help provide water for livestock.
Farming and other agricultural pursuits are risky, at best. Even though preparations can be made for many difficult situations, this weather has been worse than usual. Local farmers and ranchers need our support as citizens, as well as potential assistance from the state and federal levels. It is one of my greatest honors to stand up for these necessary programs and the benefits they offer. The 31stSenatorial District relies heavily on our rural communities, as does the rest of the Show-Me State, and I am happy to work to supply whatever help is possible.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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