Grazing and Haying CRP for Livestock Needs
The USDA just opened up > 24 million acres of CRP to help offset increased feed costs. Many wildlife concerns are directly addressed. “Eligible land may not be hayed or grazed until after the end of the primary nesting season. Also, some ….. land must be reserved for wildlife and …… must have a conservation plan. In many instances, the removal of some of the grass cover will increase the diversity of the stand and provide long-term benefits for wildlife. Further, the most environmentally-sensitive land …. will not be eligible.” {emphasis mine}. This has been met with mixed reviews, so I link some of them below:
“Opinions vary….” Brownfield Network.
“America’s Duck Factory to also serve as Beef Factory.” Ducks Unlimited.
“Beef groups oppose USDA Plan….” Cattle Network.
“Corn prices slip after USDA opens….” MarketWatch.
“Are we subsidizing forages?” AgWeb Blogs.
“Mixed feelings….” from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever at Eden Prairie News.
“CRP Release Rankles Hay Growers…” – from Hay & Forage Grower.
“Pros & Cons of USDA Releasing….“ – from Wallaces Farmer.
