Rep. Frank Lucas Statement on the Court Decision Restoring CRP Haying and Grazing

Press Release

Rep. Frank Lucas Statement on the Court Decision Restoring CRP Haying and Grazing

The Western District Federal Court issued a ruling today that restored a portion of the Critical Feed Usage (CFU) program, which allowed the use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land for haying and grazing. The USDA announced May 27, 2008 that it would release 24 million of the 33 million acres of CRP land for haying and grazing due to the unusually high cost of feed. On June 30, 2008, the National Wildlife Federation filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) claiming they failed to study the environmental impact the use of CRP lands may have on nesting birds. The court issued a Temporary Restraining Order on July 8, 2008 suspending all use of the CRP land until a decision was handed down.

After a hearing July 17th, the judge ordered the parties to come to an agreement by July 22, 2008, but they were unable to. Today, he issued his order, ruling in favor of USDA and allowing haying and grazing on CRP lands for those who applied prior to July 8, 2008 and for those who can show an investment of at least $4,500 towards the use of their CRP lands. Haying must be completed by September 30, 2008 and grazing must now be completed by October 15, 2008.

"Farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma are suffering through high feed costs and a severe drought, both of which are threatening their livelihoods," stated Lucas. "USDA made the right decision releasing CRP lands for haying and grazing use. I applaud the court's decision to allow the use of a portion of CRP lands released under the CFU program. I had hoped that the court would see the need and the merit of this program, and allow it to continue without restraint. However, this is still a victory for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers."

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