Crop reporting dates rapidly approaching

Producers now have until Jan. 15 to report crops that have a Nov. 15 or Dec. 15 reporting deadline without paying a late-file fee, according to Vernon County USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Travis Claypool.

Crops under this waiver include wheat and native and improved grasses intended for grazing or haying. The Risk Management Agency didn't grant a waiver so producers need to consult their crop insurance agent for deadlines for insured crops.

"To comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Vernon County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline," said Claypool.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Vernon County:

December 15: Fall barley, fall wheat and all other fall-seeded small grains.

January 15: Apples, grapes and peaches

May 15: Spring oats and potatoes

July 15: CRP, burley tobacco, corn, cotton, grain sorghum, hybrid corn seed, popcorn, rice, soybeans and all other 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.

According to Claypool, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program 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.

Additionally, producers can purchase both NAP and RMA coverage for 2014 annual forage crops. NAP coverage will not be available for 2015 annual forage crops.

Late file fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after Sept. 15 and 2014 crops reported after Jan. 15.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, contact the Vernon County FSA office at 417-667-8137.