The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allowed emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in 46 Iowa counties due to severe drought conditions, which have affected forage production.
Counties are automatically approved for emergency haying and grazing when they reach the D2 (severe drought) level on the U.S. Drought Monitor and are outside of the primary nesting season (May 15 through Aug. 1). Counties with a documented 40% loss of forage production are also eligible. Local FSA County committees can review data on forage loss and recommend emergency haying and grazing to the Iowa FSA State Committee.
CRP participants must receive approval from their county FSA office before taking any action. Emergency haying authorizations end on Aug. 31, while emergency grazing is allowed until Sept. 30. Participants can seek approval for either haying or grazing, but not both on the same acres.
New counties may become eligible based on updated U.S. Drought Monitor data. Producers in newly approved counties must sign up at their local FSA offices and get approval before haying or grazing.
Eligible participants should request approval and obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which includes haying and grazing provisions.
No CRP annual rental payment reduction will be applied for 2023 emergency haying and grazing.
For those not eligible for emergency haying and grazing, nonemergency haying and grazing is available starting now. CRP participants should check with their local FSA office for eligibility details and obtain approval before starting any haying or grazing activities.
For more information and to request approval for emergency haying or grazing use of CRP acres, contact your local USDA Service Center.
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Categories: Iowa, Livestock