Reports vital to receiving FSA benefits

     U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director (SED) Amanda De Jong announced on Nov. 29 that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits.

     Please pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates below and note the change in the reporting date for perennial forage and forage seeding for 2018.

     “In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” said SED De Jong.

     The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for all counties in Iowa:

     • Dec. 15: Fall seeded crops, cover crops and hay/forage crops.

     • July 15, 2018: Spring seeded crops.

     The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:

     • If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

     • If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

     • If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing” or “seed,” then the acreage must be reported by July 15, 2018.

     According to De Jong, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

     For information regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact your local county FSA office.