Emergency Haying, Grazing Approved In 7 Counties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — 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.