Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

FSA extending grazing period

Freedom New Mexico

The U.S. Farm Service Agency is modifying its Conservation Reserve Program policies to help agricultural producers affected by drought.

FSA is permitting farmers and ranchers approved for emergency grazing in drought-stricken states, including New Mexico, to extend the emergency grazing period for a month, to Oct. 31, without an additional payment reduction, according to the release. Before starting emergency grazing, producers must request permission from the FSA county office.

Also, FSA will allow producers nationwide to use harvested hay from expiring CRP acres instead of destroying it when those acres are being prepared for fall seeded crops, according to the release. Rental payments will be reduced by 25 percent for those using this option.