Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Judith A. Canales has announced that the Texas FSA State Committee revised a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing policy that limited eligibility on acres grazed in previous fiscal years.

Based on a revised policy decision made by the Texas FSA State Committee, CRP acres grazed during fiscal 2011 or 2012 will be considered eligible for emergency grazing if NRCS verifies, on a case-by-case basis, that the conservation cover will sustain grazing.

CRP acres grazed in the fall/winter of fiscal year 2013 will not be eligible for spring/summer grazing. FSA's fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

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"This policy change will allow eligible producers to graze acres that were grazed in the last two fiscal years if the conservation cover meets local NRCS standards," said Canales.

Counties become eligible for CRP emergency grazing when they reach the D2 (severe drought) level on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Currently, 197 counties have reached the D2 level and are eligible for CRP emergency grazing. This policy change applies to all counties authorized for CRP emergency grazing.

"Eligible producers who are interested in emergency grazing of CRP must request approval before grazing eligible acreage and must obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that includes grazing provisions," said Canales. "Current provisions allow grazing on 100 percent of a field, up to the 75 percent stocking rate."

For more information about CRP Emergency Grazing, please contact your local FSA office.