Drought in Hickory, Missouri

No change to the Severe (D2) Drought conditions were noted in December. Farm and stock ponds continued to see impacts along with ground water levels and reservoirs. Monetary crop losses for 2023 beginning January first will be included in future reports when the drought ends and loses are assessed.

Some locations saw improvement through the month. Severe (D2) drought contracted in parts of west central Missouri, but expanded into east central and south central Missouri. Some locations in central Missouri noted Extreme (D3) drought by the end of the month. Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) condition areas made up much of the remainder of the area though some locations saw the removal of all drought conditions. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Dry stock ponds and low flows on some streams and rivers continued.