Because of severe drought conditions, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency state Executive Director David Schemm announced Thursday that Conservation Reserve Program acres in 43 Kansas counties have been authorized for emergency haying and grazing beginning Monday.
Emergency haying and grazing may continue through Sept. 30.
Area Kansas counties approved for emergency haying and grazing are Saline, Ellsworth, Ottawa, McPherson, Clay, Dickinson and Marion. A complete map of authorized counties may be found online at fsa.usda.gov/ks.
Schemm said eligible producers interested in emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres must request approval through their local FSA and obtain a modified conservation plan that includes haying and grazing provisions.
Authorized producers can use the designated acreage for their own livestock or may grant use to another livestock producer, according to a news release from the Kansas Farm Service Agency in Manhattan.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)