USDA Makes Available Some Acreage for Hay

SKOWHEGAN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has authorized some acreage enrolled under the conservation reserve program to be available for hay and forage after the primary nesting season ends for grass-nesting birds.

Valerie L. Porter, Somerset County executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, said the action is designed to provide much- needed feed and forage while maintaining the conservation.

“Eligible farmers and ranchers will be able to plan for harvest of forage after the end of the primary nesting season this summer,” Porter said in a news release.

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.

The increased demand for commodities and resulting higher prices have affected the livestock industry in particular.

Sign-up is taking place at local Farm Service Agency offices. This modification for critical feed use is only for 2008. All forage use must be completed no later than Nov. 10.

Under the program, farmers and ranchers enroll eligible land in 10- to 15-year contracts with USDA’s Commodity Credit Corp. FSA administers the program on behalf of the corporation. Participants plant appropriate cover such as grasses and trees in crop fields and along streams. These plantings help prevent soil and nutrients from running into regional waterways and affecting water quality. The long-term vegetative cover also improves wildlife habitat and soil quality.

Additional details including fact sheets, maps and statistics are available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation.

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