Wis. DNR: Farmers can harvest hay on state lands

Wisconsin DNR says farmers can harvest hay, graze cattle on some state lands

Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials are taking the unusual step of allowing farmers to harvest hay and graze cattle on some state lands.

The DNR will let farmers take free hay and let cattle roam on certain state properties in 32 counties where Gov. Scott Walker has declared flooding-related states of emergency and federal officials have declared natural disaster areas due to winter-kill and excessive rain and snow. A complete list of counties and properties is available on the DNR's website.

DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp says the agency made the move to help farmers dealing with feed shortages resulting from extreme weather. Farmers will have to sign an agreement specifying hay taken from the properties will be used to feed livestock and not sold.