The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres nationwide, including in Nebraska, to aid livestock producers impacted by recent wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
“Ranchers in Nebraska, Texas, and Oklahoma hit by devastating wildfires need grazing acres and hay resources to support their herds while they rebuild,” said Tim Divis, Acting State Executive Director for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska. “If you have CRP acres available for grazing and haying, please reach out to your local FSA office. Your contributions are crucial and appreciated.”
States and counties currently affected by wildfire include:
- Nebraska: Custer, Lincoln and Logan
- Oklahoma: Beaver, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Kay, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward
- Texas: Armstrong, Carson, Gray, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Roberts and Wheeler
Under the emergency provisions, there’s no fee or rental payment reduction for haying and grazing on CRP acres. Emergency haying and grazing will continue until the start of the Primary Nesting Season (PNS) in each state.
In Nebraska, the PNS runs from May 1 to July 15. During the PNS, emergency grazing may continue with a 50% reduction in stocking rate if the county meets certain drought conditions.
CRP participants willing to donate their acres for emergency haying and grazing must obtain a modified conservation plan from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or their Technical Service Provider. Livestock producers impacted by wildfires must file a Notice of Loss or provide written certification to access CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing.
Non-emergency haying and grazing options are also available for wildfire-affected livestock producers, with certain conditions and reductions in rental payments.
For more information on wildfire recovery resources and assistance programs, visit farmers.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.
