By Jessica Groskopf
What is CRP?
CRP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural producers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers. In return, participants receive annual rental payments. During times of disaster, however, USDA may authorize emergency haying and grazing of CRP-enrolled acres to help livestock producers access additional forage.
Emergency Haying and Grazing
In response to recent wildfires, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has expanded this authority by allowing CRP participants in all counties of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming to donate grazing rights or haying authority to livestock producers affected by the fires.
These provisions may allow producers to graze livestock or harvest hay from eligible CRP land under specified conditions. For landowners with CRP contracts, payments will not be reduced for allowing haying or grazing on eligible acres for affected producers.
Work with Your Local FSA Office
Contact your local FSA office before taking any action on CRP acres. USDA staff can help producers and CRP contract holders determine eligibility, identify required documentation, and complete necessary forms. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will work with CRP contract holders to update the CRP conservation plan. + , m, l,mkim
Source : unl.edu