Drought tour brings federal agriculture officials to North Dakota

North Dakota producers have been asking for extra flexibility, Similar to a Outcome of the power to hay CRP land earlier than Aug. 1, whereas the hay Continues to be Of fantastic extreme quality, and to plant cowl crops on land They will not develop a money crop on, To cease soil erosion And current extra forage for cattle. 

Producers Want to graze some failed crops however really feel stifled by A pair of of The guidelines in place, said Sterling farmer Lucas Lang, who serves on the North Dakota Farm Bureau board of directors.

“We’ve acquired to get cows out on these crops That are shot, and we’ve acquired to do it with out the grazing or haying (insurance coverage) penalty,” he said.

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A scarcity of hay is Amongst The numerous largest considerations producers have relayed to state officers, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford said.

“It’s not going to be A great yr anyplace,” he said. “We’re asking for flexibility. If there’s An complete loss, Are you able to’re taking what’s there and hay it.”

A plan To permit emergency haying of CRP land earlier than Aug. 1 is Inside the works, Hoeven said.

Producers requested furtherextra for eased trucking restraints To permit hay to be transported; simplification of The guidelines on ag packages and help in wading by way of these guidelines; and help in paying for trucking prices.

Ducheneaux, who ranches on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, said any new packages or modifications Want to be made with An prolonged-time period outlook in thoughts. Maintaining markets open and addressing market focus will help empower producers by getting them Further money for what they produce, he said.