May 28, 2008
USDA makes US$1.2 billion worth of forage available for cattle
The USDA, reacting to rising livestock feed costs, has decided to allow farmers that own land idled under the Conservation Reserve Programme to open up that property to cattle ranchers, USDA Secretary Ed Schafer said Tuesday (May 27, 2008).
The USDA estimated that about US$1.2 billion worth of forage will be made available to cattle ranchers, but declined to say how much traditional feed might be displaced by the initiative.
Schafer said the decision will for the first time ever open up 24 million acres for haying and grazing without significantly penalizing land owners, who pay only a one-time US$75 administrative fee.
In addition, the land owner would still be given payments from the government intended to keep the land fallow.
Currently, 34.6 million acres are enrolled in the CRP, but the most environmentally sensitive land, such as wetlands, will not be eligible for the livestock feed initiative.
The initiative is not an opportunity for farmers to take land out of the CRP and plant crops, Schafer stressed.
Speaking to reporters, he noted that feed prices are being driven up by energy costs and increased corn usage.
Higher consumption from the ethanol industry has reduced feed supplies, especially that of corn.
The move by the USDA will provide much-needed feed and forage while maintaining the conservation benefits from the nation''s premier conservation programme, Schafer said.
Eligible farmers and ranchers will be able to plan for harvest of forage after the end of the primary (bird) nesting season. This meant cattle would be allowed onto the land by late July or early August.
The haying and grazing initiative will end Nov. 10, according to USDA.
