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May 20, 2004 Haying and Grazing of CRP Acres Since the CRP program was authorized in 1985, commercial use of land enrolled in CRP was prohibited with the exception of permitted haying and grazing during droughts or similar weather related emergencies. The 2002 Farm Bill amended that provision by adding an exception for managed haying and grazing. “Managed haying and grazing, conducted in accordance with a conservation plan, is expected to increase the amount of cover disturbance,” according to Dwight Aakre, farm management specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. “Managed disturbance of vegetative cover established on CRP land generally increases diversity and quality of vegetative cover and improves wildlife benefits. Haying and grazing is limited to no more than once every three years, depending on the conservation plan developed. Additional restrictions may apply in environmentally sensitive areas or practices.” Before any haying or grazing activities are conducted, contract holders must develop a detailed conservation plan for haying and grazing management. Contract holders should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for assistance in developing their management plan. They also need to notify the county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office of their intentions. “The conservation plan will ensure the long-term viability of the stand while protecting and enhancing the soil, water, wildlife and other natural resources of the CRP acreage,” Aakre says. “The conservation plan will require the control of noxious and other weeds, insects and pests. All haying and grazing activities must be conducted consistent with the terms and conditions of the haying and grazing management plan. Haying and grazing is prohibited during the primary nesting and brood rearing season which runs from April 15 to August 1 in North Dakota.” In addition to managed haying and grazing, the 2002 Farm Bill retained existing emergency authority for haying and grazing of eligible CRP acres in any year the county is approved for this assistance. Any CRP acreage eligible for emergency haying or grazing within the county may be hayed or grazed within the emergency authorization regardless of whether it was hayed or grazed in previous years under managed provisions or emergency authority. However, any eligible acreage hayed or grazed under either managed or emergency provisions would not be eligible for managed haying and grazing for the next two years. The annual CRP payment rate will be reduced by 25 percent for the acreage that is utilized for haying and grazing. ### Source: Dwight
Aakre, (701) 231-7378, dwight.aakre@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
