March 19, 2024

FSA reminds producers to report 2013 acreage

DES MOINES – Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers to submit their annual acreage report to their local FSA county office by July 15 to meet FSA program eligibility requirements.

“Producers must file their reports accurately and timely for all crops and land uses, including prevented and failed acreage, to ensure they receive the maximum FSA program benefits possible,” said John R. Whitaker, state executive director for Iowa Farm Service Agency.

A separate reporting date has been established for producers whose 2014 crops will include perennial forages, fall wheat and other fall seeded small grains.

“Beginning this fall through December 15, 2013, producers will need to report these crops,” Whitaker said.

Accurate acreage reports are necessary to determine and maintain eligibility for the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and programs extended from the 2008 Farm Bill, and Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE).

Acreage reports are considered timely filed when completed by the applicable final crop reporting deadline of July 15. Prevented acreage must be reported within 15 calendar days after the final planting date. Failed acreage must be reported before the disposition of the crop. NAP crops that are harvested prior to July 15 must report by the earlier of July 15 or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing. Producers should contact their county FSA office if they are uncertain about reporting deadlines.

Reports filed after the established deadline must meet certain requirements to be accepted and will be charged late fees. Fees are charged per farm number for each late filed certification.

Producers should visit their county FSA office to complete acreage reporting. For questions on this or any FSA program, including specific crop reporting deadlines and planting dates, producers should contact their county FSA office. More information on FSA programs is at www.fsa.usda.gov.