The drought is raising questions about the effectiveness of emergency programs for livestock producers.

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Matt Deppe says forage costs are rising in the driest parts of the country.

“Because of the shortness in the forage harvesting availability, or even grazing availability, we’re all trying to buckle down and figure that one out. But I think it also provides a good opportunity to really look at programs like the Conservation Reserve Program.”

He tells Brownfield occasionally grazing cattle on CRP ground would help farmers and the environment.

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