Drought triggers emergency haying, grazing

Buena Vista joins 26 counties authorized for emergency haying or grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres due to severe drought levels. 

Farmers and ranchers can cut hay or graze without reductions to their CRP rental payment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the emergency proclamation to Buena Vista and neighboring counties, Cherokee, Pocahontas, Sac and Ida Monday. 

Buena Vista County went under emergency haying or grazing in 2022 under a separate proclamation. 

Iowa counties automatically qualify for emergency cutting and grazing when they reach severe drought conditions, or D2, after Aug. 1. The primary nesting season for the state of Iowa is May 15 through Aug.1. Producers must apply for emergency haying and grazing from the county FSA office.. 

The authorization for haying will end by Aug. 31 and Sept. 30 for grazing. Producers apart of the CRP can not hay and graze on the same acres.