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1. Turns out there is a very helfpul FAQ on cover crop issues at the RMA website. h/t to @Mike_IL_Ag_Econ for pointing it out rma.usda.gov/en/News-Room/F…
@Mike_IL_Ag_Econ 2. "If I plant a cover crop and cut it for hay after September 1, can I sell it without affecting my prevented planting payment?" Answer is yes. So that question is cleared up.
@Mike_IL_Ag_Econ 3. Here is the official definition of a cover crop for PP purposes. The link at the bottom has some specific examples of "common" cover crops but no exhaustive list. Is it wrong to think it is anything that meets the "conservation" criteria below? 
@Mike_IL_Ag_Econ 4. Now consider the cover crop discussion in this article by Emerson Nafziger from earlier in the week. He believes that corn or soybeans can meet the agronomic definition of a cover crop for conservation purposes. bulletin.ipm.illinois.edu/?p=4662
@Mike_IL_Ag_Econ 5. Not trying to beat a dead horse, well, maybe, a little bit. Anyway, it does seem that RMA has some scope for flexibility in what qualifies as a cover crop on PP acres. Obvious need for this to be clarified for farmers ASAP.
