Rounds Applauds USDA Decision to Open Sensitive CRP Acres for Emergency Haying and Grazing

WASHINGTON –U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to open sensitive Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for emergency haying and grazing, effective today, July 20, 2017, for additional counties in South Dakota. More information can be found on the U.S. Drought Monitor. USDA is adding the ability for farmers and ranchers in these areas to hay and graze CRP wetland and buffer practices.

“Secretary Perdue understands the severity of the drought situation facing farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, and I thank him for continuing to provide additional tools to help producers during these tough times,” said Rounds.

Last month, Rounds and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) wrote to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to provide timely assistance to counties currently facing extreme drought conditions.

For CRP practices previously announced, including those authorized today, USDA is allowing this emergency action during and after the primary nesting season, where local drought conditions warrant in parts of South Dakota that have reached D2, or “severe” drought level or greater according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This includes counties with any part of their border located within 150 miles of authorized counties in the state, and may extend into surrounding states. All emergency grazing must end Sept. 30, 2017 and emergency haying must end Aug. 31, 2017.

To learn more about the CRP program, click HERE. To find your local FSA office and learn more about drought relief benefits available, click HERE.

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