With forage supplies generally tight, dairy and other livestock farmers may be looking for late planting options with the hopes of building feed inventories before next winter. Recent federal policy changes make planting harvestable cover crops – including corn silage – on prevented plant acreage possible, but producers should review crop insurance policies and deadlines to maximize economic returns. States and geographies have different late planting and prevent plant deadlines under the federal crop insurance program.
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Dave Natzke
Editor / Progressive Dairy

Under a USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) rule announced June 20, farmers taking the full prevented plant indemnity payments can now harvest (grazing and harvest as forage silage, haylage or baleage) a cover crop after Sept. 1, 2019. The previous deadline was Nov. 1. The cover crop cannot be harvested for grain or seed. Read: USDA Risk Management Agency grants ‘prevented plant’ cover crop harvest flexibility.

Other than planting and harvesting deadlines, there may be additional factors affecting planting corn silage as a cover crop. In a bulletin (Guidance When Using Corn as a Cover Crop) sent to University of Wisconsin (UW) Extension staff on June 25, neither seed nor grain from bioengineered corn hybrids can be used as cover crop seed. Upon purchase of bioengineered hybrids, farmers sign a contract that: (1) limits usage of grain to specific end product channels, (2) restricts ownership of bioengineered traits and (3) requires a refuge (stewardship).

The UW bulletin offers other suggestions regarding planting methods and rates, as well as pesticide and fertilizer considerations. It’s imperative to consult with your crop insurance agent regarding cover crop planting and potential forage harvest if a prevent plant insurance indemnity is being taken. There are several rules concerning planting and harvesting dates, as well as the impact on Actual Production History (APH) yield history for the farm.

Previous herbicide use can impact cover crop establishment, as well as its potential use as a forage. Review your herbicide use history and herbicide labels for the previous two cropping seasons for potential rotational and forage limitations.

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The RMA does not have an “official list” of approved cover crops. Although not usually considered a cover crop, corn silage may be a viable option on prevented plant acreage for livestock producers in 2019, especially with tight forage supplies. The RMA addresses corn silage in their Frequently Asked Questions for Prevented Planting Flooding.

Producers should consult with approved agricultural experts for which cover crops are agronomically sound for the area for erosion control or other purposes related to conservation or soil improvement.

Another University of Wisconsin bulletin (Can I Use Corn or Soybeans as a Cover Crop on Prevented Plant Acres?) discusses considerations when planting corn silage as a cover crop. Producers should check with crop insurance providers and adjusters to make sure they follow any rules and documentation related to planting dates and rates, fertilizer or fungicide applications, harvest and other management guidelines. Check with university specialists in your own state for additional information.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website also has a Cover Crop Decision Tool to assist in making decisions.  end mark

Dave Natzke