By Associated Press
Montgomery AL – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said immediate steps are being taken to provide additional hay and forage to livestock producers in drought-stricken states, including Alabama.
The move allows eligible producers to get hay and use grazing land in USDA Conservation Reserve Program up to 210 miles away from counties declared drought disaster areas, Johanns said Friday.
In a statement, Gov. Bob Riley said the assistance will allow Alabama's farmers to "breathe a little easier during these hard times."
Until now, only CRP land within affected counties could be used. That meant few suitable pastures were available because they too were suffering the drought conditions.
Producers must be located within the extreme or exceptional drought classifications.