The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that producers who are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program will now be able to graze on their land.
Due to the current drought conditions, the Farm Serve Agency has permitted emergency haying and grazing on CRP acres.
Greene County FSA Executive Director Kevin Fitzpatrick says not all CRP acres are eligible for haying or grazing. Those who are interested in this opportunity must request approval from their local FSA office and obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Those who are approved for haying and grazing must leave at least 50 percent of each field unhayed and all haying activities must be completed by August 31st while livestock must be removed by September 30th.
Authorized producers will be able to use the CRP acreage for their own livestock or may grant another producer use of the land for haying or grazing. Hay that is baled can then be given away or sold.
For more information and to request approval call your local FSA office. In Greene County call 386-3138, in Dallas County call 993-4205 and in Guthrie County call 641-332-2640.