South Dakota’s Congressional delegation is applauding USDA’s decision to move up the date for haying and grazing cover crops or forages on prevented plant acres from November 1 to September 1. That includes Senator John Thune, who says this will not result in a reduction in producers’ prevented plant indemnity payments.

The policy change was done administratively by USDA and applies to the 2019 crop year only. Thune says this is common sense decision that provides flexibility for farmers and corrects the inequity the November 1 date creates for farmers in the northern corn belt.

Thune had met with USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky and Undersecretary Bill Northey last week and encouraged them to allow for this change given this year’s tough growing conditions.

Representative Dusty Johnson was also pleased USDA acted so swiftly to provide relief and help producers to get the feed they desperately need for their livestock.