USDA crop acreage reporting deadline approaches

July 31 is the final date for area crop producers to report corn, soybeans, double crop soybeans, grain sorghum, pecans, CRP and other spring crops to the Farm Service Agency.

All cropland on the farm must be reported in order to be eligible for 2011 Farm Program benefits. Acreage reported after the deadline will be considered late filed and a service fee (a minimum of $4 per farm) will be charged for a field visit to verify physical evidence in the fields. There are about 400 farms yet to report and the deadline is near so producers are urged to report as soon as possible to avoid a long wait in line.

It is important that producer shares on crop acreage reports are the same as DCP payment shares on the farm to avoid loss of benefits.

If part of a farm has changed ownership, owners have until Aug. 1 to report changes to FSA and request a reconstitution of the farm in order for the changes to be in effect for the 2011 DCP Program.

The Vernon County FSA Office would also like to remind producers that they have until Aug. 1 to sign up in DCP. Signatures from all persons earning payments must be received at the Vernon County FSA Office by Aug. 1 or they will not be eligible for program benefits. Payments of about $16.50 per base-acre are available for producers' compliance with USDA Soil Conservation measures.

For more information contact the FSA Office at 102 W. Allison in Nevada at (417) 667-8137 or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.