Marshall, Craig Introduce Pasture Act to Support Livestock Producers

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had devastating impacts on livestock owners across the U.S. On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D. and Congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota, have introduced H.R. 7108, the PASTURE (Pandemic Authority Suitable To Utilize Reserve Easements) Act, bipartisan legislation amending the Food Security Act of 1985 to allow for grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land during the pandemic. The bill would give the USDA Secretary more tools to assist livestock owners during times of extreme crisis.

“Kansas livestock owners were among the first to feel the impacts of COVID-19 and they continue to face hurdles as a result of the virus’s impact on all segments of the industry,” said Rep. Marshall. “I am honored to work with Rep. Craig and Senators Thune and Smith on this much needed legislative fix that will provide another opportunity for relief for our ranchers back home. I will continue to do everything I can to help our farm and ranch families overcome the devastating impacts of the coronavirus so they can continue to produce the highest quality, safest, and most affordable food, fiber, and fuel in the world.” 

“Our farmers have been hit particularly hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to partner with Rep. Marshall and Senators Smith and Thune on a bipartisan solution to the affordable forage shortage Minnesota farmers may be facing this year. By adding pandemics to CRP emergency flexibility, we are modernizing conservation policy to address the complex emergencies facing our farmers and ranchers. I will always support bipartisan, common sense solutions to help our family farmers and livestock producers in their times of need.”

Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Tina Smith of Minnesota have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.