Saturday, October 27, 2012

FSA Announces Changes to Crop Reporting Dates

Worth County USDA Farm Service Agency announced a change in crop acerage reporting dates for the 2013 crop year. All perennial and biennial forage crops must now be reported by November 15th. The new deadline for reporting fall-seeded small grains is December 15th.

In past years, producers had until the end of June to report their acerage for wheat and other small grains, and until the end of July to report their hay and pasture acerage. The new reporting date is much sooner than the prior dates.

All 2013 perennial and biennial forage acres, such as pasture acreage intended for haying or grazing, must be reported to the FSA by the November 15th deadline. All fall-seeded small grain acreage, such as winter wheat, barley, and oats, must be reported by December 15th. For 2012, the reports will be accepted up until December 17th as December 15th falls on a weekend.

Included in the upcoming reporting dates are crops that were planted as cover crops. Cover crops help to protect the soil during winter months and help preserve our nation's water resources.

Many producers are learning more about cover crops and the benefit cover crops have to their operation. After the drought, cover crops can prove to be a valuable asset for retaining soil moisture, as well as providing an additional source of feed for livestock. Cover crops can also help in retaining nitrogen in the soil for next year's crops, instead of letting it slip away into our streams. The change in crop acreage reporting dates was the result of a combined effort of FSA and the Risk Management Agency to make acreage reporting easier and standardized for crop insurance and FSA purposes. All acreage must be reported for a farm, including crops on non-cropland such as hayed or grazed grassland and other cover crops. Reporting acreage ensures producers are compliant with current and future FSA farm programs, including disaster assistance.

To make an appointment to report your crop and forage acreage, contact the Worth County office at (660) 564-3341 or visit online at www.fsa.usda.gov.

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