Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the USDA announced it would open South Dakota CRP acres for grazing in areas categorized as D2 (severe drought) or D3 (extreme drought) until September 30, 2017. The announcement came after a personal request from Noem to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to grant additional flexibility.
“The continuing and deepening drought is affecting ranchers’ every decision,” said Noem. “With many already forced to downsize their herds due to inadequate access to feed, it was imperative the USDA move quickly to provide relief. I am grateful to Secretary Perdue for following through on my calls for greater access to CRP and for his commitment to the needs of South Dakota ranchers. I’m hopeful this decision gives them more options at a time when help is much needed.”
In addition to CRP access, ranchers in six South Dakota counties that are in extreme drought were granted access to the Livestock Forage Program (LFP). Ranchers in Campbell, Dewey, Walworth, Potter, McPherson, and Edmunds are eligible for three months of LFP payments.