Washington producers can donate CRP haying, grazing acres to wildfire-impacted producers

To increase access to forage for wildfire-impacted producers, FSA recently authorized emergency use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres authorizing all counties in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington to donate grazing rights or haying authority to livestock producers in Oregon and Washington affected by the wildfires. 

Emergency haying and grazing is available until the beginning of the 2027 primary nesting season. There are restrictions on activity during the season. The primary nesting season date varies by state and is listed below. 

• California: April 1 through July 1, 2027
• Idaho: April 1 through Aug. 1, 2027 
• Nevada: May 1 through July 15, 2027 
• Oregon: March 1 through July 15, 2027 
• Washington: April 1 through July 1, 2027 

Outside of the primary nesting season, emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres may be authorized to provide relief to livestock producers in areas affected by natural disasters. 

FSA also offers non-emergency use provisions for CRP acres as an option during the primary nesting season in Washington. The 25% payment reduction to the rental rate for non-emergency haying and grazing still applies. 

Producers should contact their local FSA office to determine eligibility, availability and stocking rates or to donate emergency haying and grazing rights to producers in need of forage access.