Wisconsin Ag Connection - State Dairy Groups Praise USDA's Change in Cover Crop Policy

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State Dairy Groups Praise USDA's Change in Cover Crop Policy
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/21/2019

USDA's Risk Management Agency has adjusted the 2019 final haying and grazing date from November 1 to September 1 to help farmers who were prevented from planting because of flooding and excess rainfall this spring. That means farmers who planted cover crops on prevented plant acres will be permitted to hay, graze or chop those fields earlier than November this year to feed their animals.

The move received praise from two of Wisconsin's leading dairy cooperatives, which both claim the change eases the cover crop harvest rules and provides greater flexibility to farmers.

"This one-year adjustment will prove to be incredibly valuable to our farmers experiencing such a wet spring season," says Brian Wozniak, vice president of the Madison-based FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. "As another management tool available to farmers, it is greatly appreciated. Many farmers will use this opportunity to replenish their feed inventory going into the winter season, and hopefully be prepared if we encounter another wet spring and slow start to next year's planting season."

Leaders with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative of Green Bay added that the decision also impacts the harvesting of silage, haylage and baleage.

"The decision-makers at USDA and the many lawmakers who pressed this issue deserve much credit for listening to our farmers and recognizing the unique challenges they're facing this growing season," Edge Board Member Mitch Davis noted.

RMA Administrator Martin Barbre said the rule only applies to the 2019 season, but the agency will evaluate the prudence of a permanent adjustment at a later time.

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