Ozarks Farms Still Struggling with Drought

We have seen some consistent rain in the area lately, but many Ozarks farmers say while every little bit helps, they are still feeling the disastrous effects of the ongoing drought.

Thursday's rainfall is a welcome sight for Charles Buckner who runs a large dairy farm near Fair Grove.  But Buckner says he needs a lot more rain to fill up his ponds and streams.  And more moisture is needed to help grow his hay crop next season.

"The drought all over the US is a serious deal," says Buckner.  "Its a disaster.   It's been two of the worst years I've seen.  I'd compare it to the 50's or worse."

Water levels at the lakes supplying Springfield's drinking water are up slight.  But Mark Viguet, spokesman for City Utilities, says there is a long way to go to recover from five years of low rainfall totals.  "While we do see some improvement we still consider ourselves to be in an abnormally dry to drought type situation overall," Viguet notes.

"Really, the biggest single reason for recovery is normal amounts of rainfall and while we are not there yet, we have seen considerable rain, snow and runoff here recently and that's helped considerably."

Katherine Buckner says every bit helps, but her family's farm needs some big numbers.  "It really affects you when you don't have the need you need for your animals. We desperately need more rainfall consistent rainfall to have water for cattle cause it's hard."

Even though the Buckner farm is wet today, the hope is it will stay that way for awhile.  "The most hope is to get enough rain to fill the ponds and have streams run good and it would put enough moisture to grow crops in the spring," Katherine Buckner says.

Viguet says the lowest point for water levels in 2006 was at 63-percent.  Levels currently are just under 80 percent in the city's reservoirs.