CRP emergency haying, grazing approved

Emergency haying and grazing of CRP has been approved in from Adams, Benton, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla and Yakima counties.

Producers with eligible general CRP practices may apply for emergency haying or grazing starting today. Certain restrictions apply and prior approval is required by Farm Service Agency (FSA). No payment reduction will be applied for the acreage utilized.

Hay must be removed from the field no later than August 31 and livestock must be removed by Sept. 30. Producers cannot hay and graze the same acreage.

Haying is limited to 50 percent of each field or group of contiguous fields.

Grazing is limited to 75 percent of each field or contiguous fields, or all acreage may be grazed at 75 percent of the recommended stocking rate.

Hay harvested under these provisions may not be sold, but participants who do not own livestock may lease the right to hay or graze the acreage to another livestock producer.

CRP land enrolled in the continuous CRP, State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is not eligible for emergency haying or grazing.

Contact the county FSA office at 659-1761 for more details.