03/05/08 USDA seeks input on managed CRP haying and grazing

Washington Ag March 5, 2008 The USDA has announced it is holding a public meeting next week on proposed changes to managed haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program, CRP land. That meeting will be next Tuesday, March 11th at the American Legion Hall in Ritzville at 1:30 p.m. Rod Hamilton, Farm Program Chief with the State Farm Services Agency, says this is part of an environmental review process. Hamilton: "Well we want to try and find a balance between the wildlife habitat goals of the program and still generate enough interest for producers to utilize this provision. The primary intent of haying and grazing is to use those as a way to enhance the stand. It is really not intended as a way to supplement someone's income or something of that nature. It is a way to get out there and disturb the cover and maybe enhance that grass. And so we are trying to find a balance between the considerations of wildlife and what it takes to interest the producer, you know where it makes sense in their operation to utilize it." Hamilton says there is very limited use of CRP for managed haying and grazing in Washington. Among the issues the public may comment on are changes to primary nesting season dates, during which managed haying and grazing are not permitted. I'm Bob Hoff.