Published: July 11, 2008 01:04 pm            

CRP acres for critical feed use put on hold

Action the result of a temporary restraining order placed on the program by a Federal District Court order in Seattle, Wash.

SAINT PAUL (July 10, 2008) — Minnesota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Perry Aasness today announced that FSA has suspended processing applications on Conservation Reserve Program acreage for critical feed use. This feed use would occur after the primary season for grass nesting birds, Aug. 1. The action is the result of a temporary restraining order placed on the program by a Federal District Court order in Seattle, Wash.

FSA is notifying Minnesota producers with approved applications not to harvest or graze until further notice.

This selective utilization of CRP acreage was intended to provide much needed feed and forage while maintaining the conservation benefits from the nation's premier conservation program. Prices for most field crops have advanced to record or near record levels in recent months, reflecting strong demand, tight supplies and competition for acres.

FSA will provide additional information on this issue as it becomes available.

        

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