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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today received word from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the department has approved his request for emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in three Nebraska counties. The counties already approved for emergency grazing are Hayes, Hitchcock and Custer.
Emergency grazing on CRP lands is an important drought relief option for ranchers seeking suitable forage and pasture lands for feeding livestock.
"I am pleased that our request for emergency relief has found a receptive audience," Gov. Heineman said. "Few people know more about the hardships that can be caused by drought in Nebraska than Secretary Johanns. Producers already are being forced to cull cattle, and that's difficult for their bottom lines and for Nebraska's economy."
Earlier this week, Gov. Heineman sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns requesting the release of CRP lands for emergency grazing and haying. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) continues to coordinate with USDA on the collection of data on drought damage and emergency assistance qualifications. USDA approved the Governor's request for emergency haying, but not until after July 15.
"Our producers appreciate the opportunity to access these CRP acres, and as a state, we appreciate the efforts of the Nebraska Farm Service Agency in responding so quickly to the needs of our farmers and ranchers," Gov. Heineman said. "We also recognize the value of these acres for wildlife cover, and we would ask producers to be mindful of wildlife as they work with appropriate USDA officials on grazing plans."
Additional county approvals are possible as the data continues to be gathered and dry conditions continue across much of central and western Nebraska.
CRP is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. Farmers and ranchers can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance for establishing long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. CRP rules under the current federal farm bill allow managed grazing and haying of CRP lands after July 15. A release or waiver is required to permit either action before the July deadline. Nebraska has more than 1.2 million acres of CRP land, according to USDA statistics on the federal program.
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