A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions. A drought can last for days, months, or years. Drought often has large impacts on the ecosystems and agriculture of affected regions, and causes harm to the local economy.
Currently, negative effects of drought are being experienced in numerous areas across the State of Missouri. Governor Parson issued an executive order on May 31, 2023 that shall remain in effect until December 1, 2023, unless terminated or extended by subsequent order.
Learn more about Missouri's Drought Plan or visit the Department of Natural Resources for more information.
Find Help
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, help is available. Reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free and confidential service available to everyone.
AgriStress Helpline
Call or text 833-897-2474 for the AgriStress Helpline if you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health. This resource is free, confidential and agriculture-focused. Learn more.
- General Resources
- Coping with Drought -- Related Stress
- Drought and Economic Stress Resources List
- Recognize and Manage Stress of Farm Life
Brownfield Agriculture News Radio Podcast: Managing Mental Health
Listen to a series of agriculture podcasts regarding managing mental health. Topics include: natural disasters, asking for help, and depression.- Family & Individual
- External Resources
American Farm Bureau Federation: Farm State of Mind
The American Farm Bureau Federation is the national advocate for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Farm life can be demanding and stressful. It has reached a critical stage with pandemic impacts on top of natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial pressures due to fluctuating commodity prices, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors over the past several years. Given these ongoing challenges, more farmers and farm families are experiencing stress and mental health concerns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Drought and Health
Drought affects communities differently depending on who lives there (because some people are more affected by drought than others based on things like health conditions and age), what kind of water system the community has, what rules the community has about water use, and other economic and social factors.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Learn helpful tips, information, and resources to stay safe in the extreme heat.
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Nebraska Drought Resources
Review an extensive list of drought resources specific to physical and mental well-being; families, children, and youth; and family financial management.Ready
Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Learn about who is most at risk for emotional distress from drought and where to find disaster-related resources.University of Missouri Extension: Agriculture and Environment
Explore content to discover the ways MU Extension can help you take part in our goal of doubling agriculture by 2030 while sustaining natural resources.
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