The USDA has authorized the release of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres nationwide to livestock producers affected by the wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
“Many ranchers in those states impacted by the recent wildfires are in need of grazing acres and hay resources to sustain their herds while they work during the months ahead to restore their operations,” says Kelly Adkins, Texas Farm Service Agency Director. “If you have CRP acres and want to help wildfire-impacted ranchers, please contact your local FSA office. They’ll determine available emergency and non-emergency use options.”
Although the Primary Nesting Season has already started in Texas, CRP participants can continue to donate emergency grazing authority to livestock producers in need during this period in counties eligible for the Livestock Forage Program due to drought. FSA also offers non-emergency use provisions for CRP acres as an option during the PNS in Texas.