Drought in Hickory, Missouri

Drought improved for portions of the county during the month thanks to limited beneficial rainfall during the month drought. Portions of the County did remain impacted by Moderate (D1) to Abnormally Dry (D0) drought conditions at the end of the month. Impacts were noted in surface water including ponds and streams with some produces reporting having to feed hay and culling herds. Some impacts to crop yield were also reported.

Extreme (D3) drought developed across portions of the Missouri Ozarks. Locations in central and southern Missouri saw drought conditions worsen through the month after continued limited rainfall during the month of October. Extreme (D3) Drought developed across portions of southwestern Missouri. Much of the remainder of far southeastern Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks was also in Severe (D2) and Moderate (D1) Drought and Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions by the end of the month. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Dry stock ponds and impacts to crop yields and end of the year forage production. Low flows on some streams and rivers were noted but not widespread. Some limited monetary losses were noted in areas where the drought improved, however the majority of losses will be added once crop figures are determined.