Producers in several Kansas counties now are eligible to apply for Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on native and improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or certain crops planted specifically for grazing, such as small grains, annual rye grass/crab grass and forage sorghum. LFP provides compensation to those who suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash-leased land. Eligible producers must complete a CCC-853 and the required supporting documentation no later than February 1, 2021, for 2020 losses.
Additionally, certain Kansas Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres may be harvested or grazed outside the primary nesting season (April 15-July 15) in counties that have reached at least a D2 drought status on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Individual county drought status will be approved and updated weekly at the national Farm Service Agency (FSA) level. Emergency grazing is available on all CRP acres, but grazing will be limited to a maximum of 90 days; or September 30, 2020; or when the cover reaches the minimum height requirement stated in the grazing plan. CRP fields must be left 25% ungrazed or grazed at no more than 75% of the established stocking rate.
Emergency haying is available on all CRP acres, except for certain acres in counties also approved for LFP. One cutting will be allowed and 50% of each field will be left unhayed for wildlife. Hay must be removed within 15 days and cannot be sold. CRP acreage cannot be both hayed and grazed in the same year. There will be no 2020 CRP annual rental payment reduction.
CRP participants may use the hay or grazing option for their own livestock or lease the rights to hay or graze to another livestock producer.
Livestock must be removed from the acreage within one day after the end of the authorized emergency grazing period. Livestock producers should contact their local county FSA office to verify county eligibility and learn specific program details before taking any action.