Klobuchar, Franken, Walz Announce USDA Actions to Address Animal Feed Shortage in Minnesota

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Tim Walz today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved emergency actions to address the shortage of animal feed in Minnesota. The announcement comes after the members urged the Department to take emergency measures to bring relief to producers struggling with a lack of available animal feed. Today's announcement grants emergency authorization to allow for additional livestock haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres.

"The recent cases of extreme weather and resulting feed shortages have hurt too many farmers and ranchers throughout Minnesota," Klobuchar said. "Today's decision will give producers some much needed flexibility during these challenging times and ensure our rural economies remain strong."

"Today's announcement by USDA that it will allow emergency haying and grazing on some Minnesota CRP land is good news for livestock producers who have been hard hit by the severe shortage of feed and forage," said Sen. Franken. "For months, the shortage has put many producers in a very difficult position and has forced some to decide whether or not to liquidate all or part of their herds. While it's not a perfect solution, it will provide some relief and help our producers get through this difficult time."

"I'm pleased the USDA has granted our request and provided our hard-hit producers with a much needed measure of flexibility and relief," said Walz. "While this is certainly welcome news, more must be done and I will continue advocating to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the flexibility they need to continue to feed, clothe, and fuel the world."

The counties affected by this decision include: Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Jackson, Le Sueur, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Scott, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona.

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