Graze-Out Program

The Graze-Out Program, administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), offers payments to eligible producers who elect to use their acreage planted with wheat, barley, oats, or triticale for livestock grazing. By participating in the Graze-Out Program, producers agree to forgo harvesting the commodity for grain during the applicable crop year. The program provides financial compensation to these producers when the announced repayment rate for the eligible commodity is lower than the loan rate, offering an alternative to traditional LDPs.

Program Features:

• Eligibility:
  • Producers who plant and certify wheat, barley, oats, or triticale that would have been harvested for grain.
  • Producers must agree to forgo any other harvesting of the commodity on the designated acreage during the applicable crop year.
  • Compliance with conservation and wetland protection requirements is mandatory.
• Covered Commodities:
  • Barley
  • Oats
  • Wheat
  • Triticale
• Payments:
  • Payments are made to eligible producers who choose to graze livestock on their planted acreage instead of harvesting the crop for grain.
  • Producers receive a Graze-Out payment when the announced repayment rate for the eligible commodity is lower than the loan rate.

Additional Benefits:

• Alternative Income: Provides an alternative source of income for producers who opt to graze their livestock instead of harvesting their crops.
• Flexibility: Offers producers flexibility in managing their acreage and livestock operations.
• Support for Grazing: Encourages the use of cropland for livestock grazing, supporting integrated crop-livestock farming systems.

How to Enroll:To apply for a Graze-Out payment, producers must complete and submit an application to their local FSA office. The application process includes providing documentation of the eligible commodity, production records, and proof of compliance with program requirements. Detailed enrollment instructions and deadlines are available through the local FSA office or the official USDA website.

Eligibility:Eligible applicants include producers of wheat, barley, oats, or triticale who meet conservation and wetland protection requirements and provide sufficient documentation of their commodities. Producers must agree to forgo any other harvesting of the commodity on the designated acreage during the applicable crop year.

Producers are encouraged to check with their local FSA office for specific requirements, application deadlines, and additional program details.

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