Kaptur, Rulli Lead Bipartisan Ohio Colleagues In Letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack Demanding Emergency Measures to Preserve Livestock
Toledo, Ohio — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Dean of the Ohio Congressional Delegation joined Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06) in leading 7 bipartisan members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation in a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting the expansion of Conservative Reserve Program (CRP) acres eligible for emergency haying and grazing measures. Ohio is currently facing the worst drought on record since the early 1930's, with natural disaster declarations in place for 28 of Ohio's 88 counties. In response, farmers have been forced to supplement their livestock with winter hay reserves, but backup resources are beginning to run low.
Other signers of the letter include Representatives: Troy Balderson (OH-12), Mike Carey OH-15), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-02).
“Ohio's farmers are facing one of the worst droughts in nearly a century, and need our support,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. “This bipartisan support expressed to Secretary Vilsack from across the Ohio delegation underscores that expanding emergency haying and grazing options for our farmers through the Conservation Reserve Program is so vital.”
“Ohio’s farmers and ranchers have been struggling to sustain their livestock due to the recent drought. By allowing these CRP acres to be used, we can ensure that our farmers have the support they need to endure these challenges and mitigate long-lasting damage to their livelihoods,” said Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06). “We must act swiftly to support and defend Ohio’s agricultural industry and protect our national economy.”
“This year’s extreme drought has wreaked havoc for farmers and small business owners across Ohio,” said Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12). “I urge the USDA to act quickly and let our farmers take the steps needed to endure this prolonged and difficult drought.”
Specifically, this letter requests that eligible land in the Conservation Reserve Program include acres in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program. Allowing a temporary expansion of these emergency resources would further provide relief to Ohio farmers.
A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here, or reading below:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
In response to extreme drought conditions impacting Ohio farmers, we are writing to urgently request additional flexibility for emergency haying of eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, including those in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program.
Ohio is currently facing its worst drought on record since the early 1930s, with USDA natural disaster declarations in place for 28 counties. Farmers struggling to stay afloat have resorted to depleting winter hay supplies and prematurely selling off their livestock. With few options remaining and hay reserves running low, a temporary expansion of emergency eligibility will greatly reduce long-term negative impacts stemming from this historic drought.
While the current allowance for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres has been a benefit to many struggling farmers, most CRP acres in Southeast and Southern Ohio (where drought conditions are most severe) are ineligible due to their enrollment in CREP or SAFE. Allowing these additional acres to be utilized would provide farmers with desperately needed relief as they fight to keep their livestock fed.
We remain appreciative of USDA’s continuing response to this unprecedented drought and are hopeful you will act on this important request. Thank you for your urgent consideration.
Sincerely,
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