USDA Grants CRP Waiver Request From Reps. Lucas, Marshall, and Thornberry

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted a 90-day extension of emergency grazing on CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) lands for areas of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas affected by recent wildfires.

This comes in response to a letter sent by Congressmen Lucas, Marshall, and Thornberry to the USDA asking the agency to extend CRP acre eligibility for farmers and ranchers negatively impacted by the March wildfires.

Letter from USDA to Congressman Lucas (PDF)

“I’ve lived all my life in Northwest Oklahoma, but I have never seen anything of the magnitude of these fires,” Congressman Frank Lucas said. “USDA’s extension of emergency grazing on CRP acres will no doubt help ease the burden for farmers and ranchers in our part of the country by providing them with additional flexibility while forage is reestablished and fencing is rebuilt. I thank Secretary Perdue for working with us on this critical matter to help support producers impacted by these devastating wildfires.”

"I want to thank Secretary Perdue and the USDA for responding to the needs of cattle producers across the wildfire-damaged area," Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D., said. "This extension should give grass additional time to recover and producers additional time to rebuild fences and other facilities destroyed by the fire. I appreciate the Secretary and USDA utilizing the flexibility they have to help restore these hard-working Kansans."

“The decision by the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to extend emergency grazing on CRP lands will allow ranchers who were affected by the Panhandle wildfires much needed time to rebuild fencing, replant grass, and provide a safe home for their livestock," Congressman Mac Thornberry said. "I appreciate the Secretary listening to our concerns and providing agriculture producers in the Panhandle with more time to get back on their feet.”

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PRESS CONTACTS:

Rep. Lucas – Andrew Witmer, andrew.witmer@mail.house.gov

Rep. Marshall – Eric Pahls, eric.pahls@mail.house.gov

Rep. Thornberry – Jordan Hunter, jordan.hunter@mail.house.gov