BOZEMAN, MONTANA, Oct. 26, 2016 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Bruce Nelson announced that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. Please pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates below for 2017.
“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” Nelson said.
The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Montana:
· Nov. 15, 2016: Apiculture, Perennial Forage, Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) including native grass, fall wheat (Hard Red Winter), and all other fall-seeded small grains
· Jan. 2, 2017: Honey covered under NAP (or 30 days after placement of colonies)
· Jan. 15, 2017: Established Stand Alfalfa Seed, Fall Alfalfa Seed and Cherries
· July 15, 2017: Spring Seeded Alfalfa Seed, Forage Seeding, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Fruit (except cherries), Vegetables, Christmas Trees, and all Spring-Seeded Crops and any other crops not required to be reported by previously announced deadlines
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 calendars 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 15th.
According to Nelson, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) 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.
For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the local FSA office and/or visit Montana FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/mt.
Source: Montana FSA
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS
