Due to the extreme crop loss from winter-kill and excessive rain and snow this past winter and spring in Wisconsin, 32 counties will have the opportunity to receive grazing and hay supply relief. Local farmers in affected counties will be allowed to graze their livestock and gather hay in 60 designated wildlife areas, parks, state recreation areas, southern forests and state natural areas. The land is located in 24 of the 32 affected counties which totals to 5,300 acres of grassland for haying.
Among the areas that are being opened for farmers are High Cliff State Park, Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and Governor Dodge State Park.
Individual farmers are limited to 20 acres of grazing land and the hay is distributed on a first- come, first-served basis at no charge. Grazers will need to provide their own water supply and fencing. To sign up to cut hay or to graze livestock contact the property manager that is assigned to the land you are looking at using. A maximum of 60 animal unit days per acre will be allowed.
You can read more about harvesting hay on state land in the Hay Harvest Guidance guide. If you have additional questions about the relief being offered feel free to leave a comment.
32 qualifying relief counties
Ashland ~ Brown ~ Buffalo ~ Calumet ~ Chippewa ~ Clark ~ Crawford ~ Dodge ~ Eau Claire Fond du Lac ~ Grant ~ Green Lake ~ Iowa ~ Kewaunee ~ Langlade ~ Lincoln ~ Manitowoc Marathon ~ Marinette ~ Oconto ~ Outagamie ~ Ozaukee ~ Pierce ~ Richland ~ St. Croix Sauk ~ Shawano ~ Sheboygan ~ Trempealeau ~ Vernon ~ Washington ~ Waupaca
