Wisconsin Lawmakers Want Flexibility After Planting Delays

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson along with members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation are asking Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for some ‘added flexibility’ for Wisconsin farmers. In a news release, Johnson said after excessive rainfall across much of the Midwest this spring. USDA harvest-time limitations have left farmers ‘uncertain’ of what planting options to pursue.  The lawmakers want Perdue to grant flexibility for the harvest and grazing of certain crops.  Johnson says, “Dairy and livestock farmers in Wisconsin & across the Midwest are predicting substantial feed shortages this year, due to winterkill of alfalfa & planting season delayed by an unusually wet spring.” He added, “farmers still have the opportunity to recover from these challenges and plant crops that will allow them to put up feed for their livestock.  But, USDA regulations are preventing farmers from being able to respond to the difficult growing conditions.”