USDA's Farm Service Agency offering emergency program for haying and grazing

LINCOLN, Neb. — It's turning into the perfect storm of problems for some of our producers.

High grain prices are translating into high feed prices and a growing drought has limited grazing opportunities for many but there is some relief for producers as USDA and Farm Services Agency have opened up their emergency CRP haying and grazing program.

Ag producers in many parts of Nebraska have had to deal with an unusually dry summer that has contributed to an growing drought in parts of the upper Midwest.

The lack of rain has significantly reduced the amount of opportunities for producers to cut hay and already high feed prices are squeezing folks just trying to feed their livestock.

"I think obviously if you look west of us and north of us there are very extreme drought conditions, that will likely put some level of concern for producers with Hay prices. They will be looking for whatever Hay resources they can find to help prepare for the winter and make sure they have enough feed for their livestock," said Bobbie Kriz-Wickham with the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

To help ease the pressure on producers FSA has opened up their emergency CRP haying and grazing program.

CRP, or conservation reserve programs, are tracks of land that are set aside to grow native grasses and improve environmental health in exchange for yearly rental payments.

Typically haying or grazing on CRP will result in a reduced rental payments but not under the emergency program.

"There is a payment reduction under normal circumstances for using that hay and grazing opportunity but when we have these drought conditions and producers are really in need of hay that payment reduction is not in place for this program," said Kriz-Wickham.

While much of the state is in drought not every county is eligible for the program and you must apply through your local FSA office before any haying or grazing can happen.

"You want to make sure your county is triggered for the program. Then of course there is the essential paperwork that we want to work with you on and make sure you have filled out before any sort of haying or grazing activity" said Kriz-Wickham.

If you need to take advantage of the emergency haying program you should reach out to your local FSA office soon as the program will only be running until the end of August.

To find out if your county qualifies for the program you can check out the USDA's program map here.