DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will open up state land to haying and grazing to help farmers impacted by severe weather conditions.
“This has been one of the most challenging weather patterns Iowa farmers have ever had to face and we want to be able to provide some additional options to our livestock producers,” said DNR Deputy Director Bruce Trautman.
Most state lands in Iowa do not have proper fencing for cattle so farmers wanting to use the land for grazing would be responsible for setting up temporary electric fencing and watering tanks, making haying more likely to be the most viable option.
Haying and grazing can start after July 15th when the primary nesting season for upland birds has been completed.
Land available is primarily the upland grassland areas however there are some additional opportunities for “flash grazing” in northeast Iowa and other limited opportunities on land not currently being leased to farmers.
“The DNR is working very closely with the Iowa Governor’s Office and all of our stakeholders to make emergency livestock forage available and to make sure that we are helping those who need assistance the most,” said Trautman.
Farmers interested in this opportunity should contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918.
