Emergency haying, grazing approved in 7 counties

Farmers in seven Minnesota counties have been cleared for emergency haying and grazing on acres enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program.

The federal Farm Service Agency says excessive rain has caused a severe shortage of available forage for livestock producers in those counties, particularly in south-central Minnesota.

Debra Crusoe, the FSA's executive director for Minnesota, says the authorization comes at a critical time when many livestock producers are deciding whether to liquidate their herds.

Counties approved for emergency haying and grazing include: Carver, Kittson, Le Sueur, McLeod, Rock, Roseau and Sibley. They experienced unusually heavy rain through mid-July and sustained at least a 40 percent loss of available feed as a result.

To initiate emergency haying and grazing, producers must first contact their local FSA office and comply with program rules.