Harvest of cover crops allowed Sept 1

McFarmer

Well-known member
The USDA has decided to allow harvesting of cover crops beginning September first. This would be on prevent planted land.

Hope none of us planned on some hunting cover this fall. I don’t know how it will affect winter cover.
 
Many acres of corn and soybeans have not been able to be planted due to the wet weather. As part of the federal crop insurance program the farmer can, after a certain date, elect not to plant and receive an insurance payout. In return they have to control the weeds and control erosion.

This leads many to planting a “cover crop” of small grains, legumes, millet or some such vegetation. Nothing could be done to the cover until after November first. That has changed to September first, to help lessen the problem many are facing with a reduced forage supply.

Large dairies are the main beneficiary it seems. Although smaller producers may also benefit. Hay producers are expected to be harmed. South Dakota will have a good amount of land that this affects.

Lots of controversy, seems many feel it’s changing the rules while the ball is in play.
 
That is a good explanation. This is a good decision as it will encourage planting of cover crops and therefore we won't have as many bare acres. Many of those acres would have crops on or would have been harvested by hunting season. It will be tougher on the hay producers, We won't know until hunting season what the net effect will be.
 
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