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The war between Texas and drought conditions rages on as more counties struggle to harvest crops. Texas land owners may soon find relief with a new government program.

“This is the worst drought many of us have seen in a lifetime and its results are striking,” said Blanco County Farm Bureau S & T, Adrian Schulze. “Farmers have had to personally deal with the crop losses out of their own pocket.”

Economists said that crop losses could reach $4.1 billion by the end of the year if rain conditions don’t improve. Seventy-eight Texas counties are in “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, the worst drought conditions of the entire nation.

These Texas counties will be given priority consideration for enrollment in USDA’s Grassland Reserve Program, a $4.2 million conservation program in Texas. Signing up for the program will give landowners compensation for deferring cattle grazing until conditions improve.

The 2009 funding cycle ends in September and landowners are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, even though GRP is a continuous sign up program.

To be eligible, grasslands must be privately owned and mainly used for grazing. Grasslands that are habitats for animal or plants of significant ecological value, or land with historical and archeological resources is eligible.

For more information, visit your USDA Service Center or the NRCS Texas website at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov