The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will open up to six-thousand acres of grasslands enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program to haying and grazing to help farmers impacted by drought.
          DNR deputy director Bruce Trautman says this has been one of the most challenging drought cycles Iowans have ever had to face… and they want to be able to provide some additional options to livestock producers.  Haying and grazing can start after August second when the primary nesting season for upland birds has been completed. 
          Land available is primarily the upland grassland areas with wetland easements, however there are some additional opportunities for “flash grazing” in northeast Iowa and other limited opportunities on land not currently being leased.  Farmers would be responsible for setting up temporary fencing and watering tanks on these areas.
          Farmers interested in this opportunity should contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.