Southern Missouri continues to dry out, creating concern about the state of pastures as cattle continue grazing. MU Extension Livestock Specialist Gene Schmitz notes that with less forage growing, the risk of fields becoming overgrazed increases, reducing available feed for cattle.

And overgrazed fields don’t provide as much nutrition or energy.

USDA’s Weekly Drought Monitor has over 35 percent of the state in abnormally dry or moderate drought, nearly entirely south of the Missouri River. Nine-point-three percent of the state is in the first stage of drought, with several patches ranging from the Kansas state line east to Shannon County.