7-31 IAN FSA Haying

 New flexibility in the Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rules will allow more counties to authorize emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program lands.

 The practice cannot begin until after the Primary Nesting Season ends August 1, and grazing livestock must be removed from the CRP acres by Sept. 30. Under these new provisions, CRP participants can sell or donate hay to any livestock producer.

Here’s Dick Rush, Executive Director of Idaho Farm Service Agency: "Giving counties local authority will allow farmers and ranchers to make the most of the window of opportunity for haying and grazing CRP acres. The change means that Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP acreage may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by a severe drought or similar natural disaster. To take advantage of the emergency haying and grazing provisions, authorized producers can use the CRP acreage for their own livestock or may grant another livestock producer use of the CRP acreage upon written approval from the FSA county office." 

Before CRP acreage is declared eligible for haying or grazing farmers must modify their current conservation plan. The modified conservation plan must be site specific, include the authorized duration, and reflect local wildlife needs and concerns. The primary purpose must be to maintain vegetative cover, minimize soil erosion, and protect water quality and wildlife habitat quality.