Adrian J. Polansky, State Executive Director of the Kansas Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today that emergency haying of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice CP25, Rare & Declining Habitat acreage has been approved for all Kansas Counties.

        “The drought has depleted hay supplies and affected the growth of hay across Kansas.  This authorization provides additional relief for many Kansas livestock producers who have suffered through these ongoing severe drought conditions," said Polansky.

        Emergency haying is allowed through August 31, 2012.  No extensions will be approved under this special authority.  Haying will not be permitted within 120 feet of a stream or other permanent water body.  Haying is limited to one cutting. Participants shall leave at least 50 percent of each field or contiguous CRP fields unhayed for wildlife. CRP participants can sell, donate, barter, or otherwise exchange hay.  The haying privilege may not be subleased.

        CRP participants in approved counties should contact the local FSA county office to request emergency haying on an individual contract basis prior to haying.  Participants will need to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a modified conservation plan, taking into consideration the existence of protected species.  If the CRP cover is destroyed, the practice must be re-established at the contract participant’s own expense to remain in compliance with the CRP contract. 

Participants must also accept a 10 percent reduction in the annual rental payment for the acres actually hayed.  For additional information farmers and ranchers should contact their local FSA County Office.