DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Emergency grazing is now allowed in 25 Iowa counties as a result of an emergency drought declaration by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Emergency grazing authority is limited to livestock producers who have suffered pasture losses due to ongoing drought conditions in the 25 counties. Farmers will take a 10 percent conservation reserve program payment reduction for grazing CRP acres under the emergency provisions.

Beginning August 2nd, all Iowa counties will be eligible for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres under an expanded declaration announced by Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack this week. Producers must request approval of emergency grazing and obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.