Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has announced new provisions for winter grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land in Kansas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a waiver, following Senator Marshall's inquiry, allowing the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director to authorize CRP grazing until March 1st, 2025, on a case-by-case basis.

"Increased flexibility over the use of Kansas’ CRP ground gives our farmers and ranchers the ability to support America’s food supply year-round," stated Senator Marshall. "Grazing and proper land management improves the quality of the grass and creates more suitable habitats for wildlife. I encourage Kansas ranchers to take advantage of this opportunity to fully utilize our grasslands."

Producers are required to apply at their local FSA office for non-emergency grazing before March 1st, 2025. Local FSA offices will assist in completing necessary forms, with input from the technical service provider, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, needed to ensure no long-term negative impact on the grass occurs. Grazing days will be limited under current policy, and minimum cover requirements must still be met. Applications will undergo review and approval by the state FSA office under the guidance of the FSA State Executive Director.