Producers urged to file crop reports

   Agricultural producers in Iowa should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete.

   “Many USDA programs require producers to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline in order to receive program benefits,” said Matt Russell, state executive director in Iowa. “Once planting is complete, call your local FSA office to make an appointment to report your acreage. We also encourage you to take care of any other FSA-related business during your appointment.”

   An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch, its intended use and location. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits.

   The following acreage reporting dates are applicable in Iowa: July 15 for all crops including perennial forages, and Dec. 16 for fall-seeded small grains.

   To file a crop acreage report, producers need to provide:

   • Crop and crop type or variety.

   • Intended crop use.

   • Number of crop acres.

   • Map with approximate crop boundaries.

   • Planting date(s).

   • Planting pattern, when applicable.

   • Producer shares.

   • Irrigation practice(s).

   • Acreage prevented from planting, when applicable.

   • Other required information.

   The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates:

   • If the crop has not been planted by the 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 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.