USDA expands CRP Emergency Haying & Grazing

BOZEMAN — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new flexibility in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that will provide much-needed help to Montana’s drought-affected livestock producers effective immediately, said Bruce Nelson, former FSA administrator who has returned to his position as the State Executive Director for Montana Farm Service Agency.

“This change allows CRP lands that are not yet classified “under severe drought” but that are “abnormally dry” to be used for haying and grazing. Interested producers must sign up with their county FSA office before haying or grazing can occur.”

As of July 23rd, 48 out of 56 counties in Montana are authorized for emergency CRP haying and grazing, including Lake County.