USDA opens CRP land for emergency haying grazing nationwide

By Scout Nelson

In response to devastating wildfires, the USDA has announced a significant move to aid livestock producers across the United States, including Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. This initiative permits emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to help those affected by recent fires.

"Many ranchers in Nebraska, Texas, and Oklahoma impacted by the recent, devastating wildfires are in need of grazing acres and hay resources to sustain their herds," stated Tim Divis, Acting State Executive Director for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska.

The initiative targets specific states and counties that have been hit hard by wildfires, including Custer, Lincoln, and Logan in Nebraska; Beaver, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Kay, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods, and Woodward in Oklahoma; and Armstrong, Carson, Gray, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Roberts, and Wheeler in Texas.

This directive aims to alleviate the strain on livestock producers by providing immediate resources for grazing and haying, thereby supporting the continuity of their operations.

There is no charge for the emergency haying and grazing, a measure designed to facilitate quick relief. Participants in the CRP looking to offer their acres for emergency use are encouraged to contact their local FSA office, with the assurance that such activities won't lead to long-term damage to the vegetative cover, assessed on a contract-by-contract basis.

Eligibility for emergency haying and grazing extends until the onset of the Primary Nesting Season (PNS) in each state, with Nebraska’s PNS running from May 1 through July 15. During PNS, grazing may continue under specific conditions, like a 50% reduction in stocking rate if the area meets certain drought criteria on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

For those interested in contributing to this cause, the process involves obtaining a modified conservation plan and ensuring that the livestock producer seeking to use the CRP acres files a CCC-576 (Notice of Loss) or provides written certification.

This step is crucial for the integrity of the program and ensures that assistance is directed to those genuinely affected by the wildfires.

It's noted that there are non-emergency grazing and haying options available, highlighting the USDA's dedication to offering flexible support to agricultural producers affected by natural disasters.

Recent policy changes have further improved key disaster assistance programs, demonstrating the USDA's ongoing commitment to the health and sustainability of the agricultural community and livestock operations across America.

Photo Credit -usda