FSA Permits Emergency Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program Acres in Nebraska

The Farm Service Agency this week authorized emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres for 45 Nebraska counties impacted by the recent weather events. The emergency grazing authorization is effective immediately and ends April 30, 2019. The authorization was granted to address the impacts of the recent extreme weather, including flooding, snowmelt and mud. CRP contract holders who are interested in using the emergency grazing authorization must contact their FSA county office to complete required paperwork before allowing grazing to begin. Farmers should also contact their local FSA office to report all damages and losses. CRP participants who use this option will need to obtain a modified conservation plan, which includes emergency grazing provisions, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. CRP participants can allow others to use their CRP acres under the emergency grazing authorization. However, the livestock owners also will need to complete FSA paperwork indicating their grazing land was adversely impacted by severe weather.