Graves Disappointed in Court Order to Halt Critical Feed Use

Statement

Graves Disappointed in Court Order to Halt Critical Feed Use

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today expressed his disappointment in a court decision to halt a USDA plan to allow grazing and haying on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. The temporary restraining order was issued in response to a lawsuit from National Wildlife Federation.

"I am extremely disappointed with the court's decision to disregard federal agriculture policy and issue a restraining order," Graves said. "This is a bad decision that has real life consequences for Missouri's farmers. I have heard from farmers who are out as much as $20,000 because of the court's decision."

"Time and again, extreme environmentalists are thwarting common sense public policy," Graves said. "These lands were made eligible, in a responsible way, to help farmers deal with the rising price of feed. I will continue to fight for policies that help our farmers and ranchers."

The USDA authorized certain CRP for Critical Feed Use to allow hay and forage after the primary nesting season ended for grass-nesting birds. More than 24 million acres of land were made eligible for Critical Feed Use.

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