Did you plant after June 5? Call FSA

Hello again!

As I worked in the hayfield this last weekend, counting the small squares as they went off the back of the baler, I once again realized how blessed I was to be a farmer and to be involved in agriculture in general.

As I stopped to make field repairs to that old piece of junk square baler I drag around the field behind me, I saw my wife, son and daughter all pitching in to load the wagons.

There was no complaining and no dodging the work. Here we were, as a family all working together to get the job done.

About family.

For me, farming is about family, a way of life that brings us all together. The lessons of hard work and long days were taught to me as a youngster doing much the same thing then as we were doing now.

The day closed with the fields cleaned and the wagons in the barn, a sense of contentment that a task was completed (at least for one day) and silent prayers of thanks for the weather being cooperative.

Though the season got off to a slow start, the last several weeks of good weather has provided that window of opportunity to get most of the corn in the ground.

Though as we all know, as we move out of the spring season and into the early summer season the planting window seems to close at an increasingly faster pace and who knows if the weather will hold.

Knowing that it often takes 110 days or more for corn to mature and soybeans can be up to 90 days to maturity, there is still some flexibility in planting plans if needed.

Final planting dates.

In Ohio, the final planting date for corn is June 5 and for soybeans it is June 20. If by chance, the weather takes an ugly turn and you are prevented from planting due to weather conditions, contact both your crop insurance agent and your local FSA office within 15 calendar days of the final planting date to report these acres.

The importance of reporting prevented planting acres should not be overlooked.

Reporting both prevented planted and failed acres allows for historical yields to be maintained for both crop insurance and FSA programs. It also allows participation in potential disaster relief programs which may be approved by Congress in the future

It is recommended for all producers who have prevented planted acres to check with their crop insurance agent before reporting these acres to the FSA to ensure the accuracy of the report as requirements for historical planting differs between crop insurance and the USDA.

Though the details are still being worked out on our new programs, Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage, reporting your crops to the FSA office is still necessary.

The last day to report spring planted crops is July 15. Please, when you are done planting, call and schedule an appointment with your FSA office to get your acreage reports completed.

County Committee.

Though not on many people’s minds right now, the nomination period for County Committee elections opens June 15 and runs through August first. We need your help in ensuring the County Committee system continues to work by being involved.

County Committee members play a vital role by helping local farmers manage tough financial times and natural disasters. They make decisions on the local applications for federal farm program and disaster eligibility and payments.

Committee members serve a three year term and represent the townships surrounding their homes. They are nominated and then voted on by active producers in those same townships. So give it some thought and if you have an interest or would like more information please talk to the folks at your local FSA office.

That’s all for now!

FSA Andy