WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement after receiving a response from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stating that they granted an extension of the emergency grazing on CRP lands for the Texas Panhandle fires.

“The decision by the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to extend emergency grazing on CRP lands will allow ranchers who were affected by the Panhandle wildfires much needed time to rebuild fencing, replant grass, and provide a safe home for their livestock. I appreciate the Secretary listening to our concerns and providing agriculture producers in the Panhandle with more time to get back on their feet.”

Last month, Thornberry sent a letter to the USDA along with Representatives Frank Lucas and Roger Marshall requesting a 90-day extension of the authorized emergency grazing on CRP lands located in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. You can read the letter by clicking here.

You can read the letter from the USDA by clicking here.