Rep. Angie Craig Commends USDA for Taking Action on Cover Crop and Prevent Plant Flexibility
Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement to adjust the November 1st harvest date for cover crops planted on prevent plant acres to September 1st.
"I'm glad to see the Administration announce this critical decision that will give farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need during this wet planting season," said Rep. Craig. "Minnesota farmers and ranchers deserve security in their feed supply, and I am grateful that the USDA has taken this step to ensure they have the relief they need."
Last week, Rep. Craig and Rep. Dusty Johnson introduced the bipartisan Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act), which would create an emergency waiver authority for the USDA to allow producers to graze, hay or chop a cover crop before November 1st in the event of a feed shortage due to excessive moisture, flood or drought. With this waiver, producers would not have to take a further discount on their crop insurance.
The FEEDD Act received immediate support from 27 bipartisan cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and more than 17 national agriculture groups.