FSA allows emergency use of Mont. conservation land

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency approved the emergency use of Montana Conservation Reserve Program land under contract to assist livestock producers affected by the ongoing wildfires in Rosebud and Powder River counties. "Producers who have been affected are encouraged to contact their local FSA office immediately to inquire regarding eligibility," says Dick Deschamps, acting state executive director .Note that the window of opportunity for this emergency use is limited and expires on August 3. Under this new administrative authorization by FSA, livestock may be temporarily moved to land enrolled in CRP, in Rosebud and Powder River counties, for no more than 30 days, as approved by the FSA County Office on a case-by-case basis. No CRP payment reduction applies during this temporary authorized exception. Authorized CRP land use is limited to livestock producers who lost pasture or fences due to wildfires. For more information, call or visit your local USDA service center immediately or call the Montana State Office at 406-587-6872.