FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 25, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

CRP Court Decision

GREAT FALLS, MT (July 25, 2008) – Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill made the following statement regarding a U.S. District Court decision on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Critical Feed Use program.

The decision lifts a restraining order that prevented the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from processing or approving any additional CRP contract modifications for critical feed use and forced those who already received approval to cease activities immediately.

“We are happy that the court has found a way to resolve this situation with a fair compromise,” said Merrill.  “Livestock producers with approved applications will be allowed to resume activity, pending applications can proceed, and possible applicants may be allowed to utilize the program.  We encourage the FSA State Committee to act quickly so farmers and ranchers can hay and graze CRP as expected.”

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