FARM SERVICE AGENCY OFFER ACREAGE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(04/06/2011)
Producers are reminded of the acreage reporting requirements that must be met prior to receiving program benefits from FSA. Filing an accurate acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits for a variety of programs.

All cropland on the farm must be reported to receive benefits from the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program, ACRE, Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments. Conservation Reserve Program acreage must be reported to receive annual rental payments. Crop acreage for which Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) benefits may be requested must also be reported. In addition, all crops in all counties must be reported for benefits under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) and all pastureland or grazing land acreage must be reported for benefits under the Livestock Feed Program (LFP).

Producers need to file their acreage reports by the following dates: May 31 - Small grains July 15 - All crops not specifically named, such as corn, grasses, mixed forage (hay, pasture) Sept. 30 - Aquaculture, Ornamental Nursery, Ginseng, Turf grass Sod, Mushrooms, Christmas Trees, Floriculture Crops with NAP coverage must be reported the earlier of the established reporting date or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing of the specific crop acreage being reported.

It is also very important that producers report crop losses, including those insured under Federal Crop Insurance (FCIC) and Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) within 15 days of the date damage occurred or 15 days from the date damage is apparent. Losses and or damages to crops must be reported after each disaster occurrence and in a timely manner to insure continued eligibility for benefits.

Producers are encouraged to visit the FSA county office to file the required FSA-578 acreage report before the deadline dates expire.

For information on FSA programs or other policies and procedures contact the Gilmer-Calhoun FSA Office at (304)462-7171 extension 2 or visit the office located in the Glenville Post Office Building, Room 122. Special accommodations will be made, upon request, for persons with disabilities, vision or hearing impairments. Please call if accommodations are required.