Rainfall means green fields in Bureau County
Rain finally came to Bureau County in late May and thankfully hung around into June long enough to finally give the entire county much needed moisture. The crops responded instantly, and even though summer has just begun, I believe everyone had a collective sigh of relief. It has been nice to hear folks talk about how many inches of rain was received instead of how many tenths of an inch of rain was received or how the rain was headed their way but just seemed to go around their farm.
All farmers have seen years when the rainfalls stopped short of their farm time and time again, as if there were a big detour or stop sign at the edge of their property. However, there have been times when the rainfall seems to have a green light and just keeps on coming or decides to dump a month’s worth of moisture on your farm within a few hours. When you see the extremes of rainfall or lack of rainfall, it is hard not to appreciate the nice gentle soaking rain as many have received.
Unfortunately, the frost and lack of moisture suffered this spring has taken a toll on certain crops. Livestock producers who rely on summer hay production to help feed their animals through the winter have noticed a loss in production due to the 1-2 punch served up by Mother Nature. Even though recent rainfalls will help the hay fields get back on track, a certain amount of hay normally produced has been lost. When hay production drops due to weather issues, usually you can count on the pastures to suffer as well. The problem is compounded when dry weather causes lush pastures to become short; livestock producers are forced to begin feeding their winter feed supply much earlier than normal.
With the shortage of hay, many producers may look at other areas as a source of hay production. Some farmers routinely bale their waterways or other grass areas as sources to supplement their winter feed supply. However, before producers bale the grass in a waterway or other grass field, one question needs to be asked first; “Is this acreage enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program?” If the land is in the CRP program, it is simple: Do Not Hay or Graze at that site.
Certain CRP practices like grass and legume, native prairie grass and permanent wildlife habitat qualify for managed haying and grazing if a request is submitted to the local Farm Service Agency office first. The key provisions to managed haying or grazing are requests must be submitted and approved before the haying or grazing is authorized; acreage can only be approved for this option once every three years; haying or grazing cannot begin before Aug. 2; a modified conservation plan must be obtained; and a 25 percent annual payment reduction applies. Waterways and filter strips enrolled in the CRP program are not eligible for managed or emergency haying and grazing.
Another option producers have during times of hay shortage is to check out the on-line service called Hay Net. Producers who would like to buy or sell hay may make their needs known by going to www.usda.gov/fsa. Click on the Hay Net link to find out how to register. Hopefully the hay and grass crops will bounce back, the gentle rains will fall timely, and the green fields in Bureau County will stay green.
Brad W. Powelson is the CED of the Farm Service Agency in Bureau County.
