FSA announces change in crop reporting dates

Nevada Daily Mail

Vernon County USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Travis Claypool has announced a change in crop acreage reporting dates for the 2013 crop year. All perennial and biennial forage crops must now be reported by Nov. 15. The new deadline for reporting fall-seeded small grains is Dec. 15.

"In past years, producers had until the end of June to report their acreage for wheat and other small grains, and until the end of July to report their hay and pasture acreage," said Claypool. "The new reporting date is much sooner than the prior dates, so we encourage producers to make an appointment to stop by and make a report.

All 2013 perennial and biennial forage acres, such as pasture acreages intended for haying and grazing, must be reported by Nov. 15. All fall-seeded small grain acreage, such as winter wheat, barley and oats, must be reported by Dec. 17, since the deadline falls on a weekend. Included in the upcoming reporting dates are crops planted as cover crops, which help to protect the soil during winter months and help preserve water resources -- especially important this year, to help retain moisture following drought conditions, Claypool noted.

To make an appointment to report crop and forage acreage, contact the Vernon County office at (417) 667-8137, or go online to www.fsa.usda.gov.