Emergency haying, grazing approved in 7 counties
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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.
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