By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The declaration qualifies farmers for low interest loans to recoup crop losses.
Earlier this month, the USDA announced more than a million dollars in emergency conservation funds for Missouri farmers.
Missouri Republican Senator Jim Talent says the state Farm Service Agency can help them plan their futures.
"What you do is you make these options available to producers, they come into the FSA office, document what their situation is and then discuss what kind of package of assistance is best for them," Talent said.
The drought has also impacted river commerce.
Low levels on the Missouri River means shipping will end October 15 making this the shortest navigation season on record.