By Scout Nelson
Wildfires can quickly reduce available forage and create challenges for livestock producers. During these emergencies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may allow temporary haying and grazing on eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to help producers meet livestock feed needs.
CRP is a voluntary program that helps farmers and landowners protect environmentally sensitive farmland by establishing vegetation such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers. Participants receive annual rental payments for keeping eligible land in conservation cover. During certain disasters, USDA can provide emergency haying and grazing opportunities on CRP land.
Following recent wildfires, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expands emergency authority in several states, including Nebraska. CRP participants in eligible counties can donate grazing rights or haying authority to livestock producers affected by wildfires.
The emergency provisions can allow eligible livestock producers to graze animals or harvest hay from approved CRP acres under specific conditions. CRP contract holders who allow eligible haying or grazing do not have their rental payments reduced for these activities.
Producers should contact their local FSA office before using CRP acres. FSA staff can help determine whether land and producers qualify for the emergency provisions. They can also explain required documents and help complete the necessary forms.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with CRP contract holders when conservation plans need to be updated for emergency haying or grazing.
Producers should also understand that FSA cannot provide private information about CRP participants who may be willing to donate haying or grazing rights. This protects landowner privacy.
The Nebraska Recovery Roundup is provided by Nebraska Extension and the Center for Agricultural Profitability to help farmers, ranchers, and communities respond to wildfire impacts.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Hay & Forage, Government & Policy, Livestock