USDA Allows Emergency Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program Acres in Adams, Hancock, Pike, Randolph, and Schuyler Counties Due to Extreme Drought Conditions

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 21, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Scott Halpin announced that Adams, Hancock, Pike, Randolph and Schuyler Counties are authorized for emergency grazing use on all eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the Primary Nesting Season due to extreme drought conditions.  Extreme drought conditions exist when a county reaches D2 for 8 consecutive weeks or D3 on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

"Producers who are interested in emergency grazing of eligible CRP acres must request FSA county office approval before starting any grazing activities,” said Halpin.  “The request must include a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service with grazing provisions.” 

When extreme drought conditions exist, grazing is restricted to less than 50% of the normal carrying capacity.  Emergency grazing is permitted through September 30, 2023.  All livestock must be removed from the CRP acreage by September 30, 2023.  

Producers can use the eligible CRP acreage under the emergency grazing provisions for their own livestock or may grant another livestock producer use of the eligible CRP acreage.  The CRP acreage is limited to acres located within the approved county.  All practices for emergency grazing are eligible except CP38 (SAFE) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement (CREP) acres.  There will be no CRP annual rental payment reduction for 2023 emergency grazing authorizations.  

For more information or to request approval for emergency grazing use of CRP acres, contact the Adams County FSA at (217) 224-9307 ext. 2, Hancock County FSA at (217) 357-2188 ext. 2, Pike County FSA at (217) 285-5448 ext. 2, Randolph County FSA at (618) 443-4381 ext. 2, and the Schuyler County FSA at (217) 322-3358 ext. 2 or visit https://www.farmers.gov.