Today, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new flexibility and assistance in USDA’s major conservation programs to help livestock producers impacted by drought.  Vilsack says USDA is now allowing additional acres under CRP to be used for haying and grazing under emergency conditions and only allowed during the primary nesting season which has already passed in most areas.



Vilsack says they’re authorizing haying and grazing of WRP easement areas in drought affected areas where it’s consistent with conservation of wildlife habitat and wetlands.



Vilsack says August 15 is the date crop insurance premiums are due. He says they’re asking companies to voluntarily forego charging interest on unpaid crop insurance premiums for an extra 30 days.



Farmers and ranchers can also modify current EQIP contracts.