CRP grazing can move forward

The Seattle district court judge that put a halt to haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres has decided to let it happen -- but there are several limits that may keep some from taking advantage of the program. (He made the ruling since the National Wildlife Fund and USDA failed to reach an agreement earlier in the week.)

Producers with already approved CRP haying/grazing contracts can continue operations through the program's original Nov. 10 deadline. Farmers and ranchers who sent applications but have not received approvals can have their applications processed and, if approved, can hay until Sept. 30 or graze until Oct. 15.

Those who have not yet sent applications can - as long as they submit in their application a statement explaining that they need the program, and whether the producer made investments or preparations of $4,500 or more to participate. Documentation is needed. If approved, those producers also will be able to hay until Sept. 30 or graze until Oct. 1.

The judge said USDA did violate the National Environmental Policy Act and was wrong to decide, on the basis of an environmental evaluation, that the Critical Feed Use initiative would not have significant adverse environmental consequences. USDA decided based on that evaluation that a full environmental impact study was not necessary.

Photo: Oklahoma State University