Timely reminders from Farm Service Agency

Hello friends,

It is good to be back!

First off, I would like to apologize for our recent absence from this spot in the Farm and Dairy and also for not being in the office providing assistance. I have talked with many of my colleagues since the government shutdown has ended, and the overwhelming opinion is that this lack of service is unacceptable.

The shutdown had a widespread effect. Payments were delayed, loans could not be processed, and applications could not be accepted. Each FSA office will do its best to make sure this disruption is only minimally felt by our customers from this point forward.

Dates to note

There are several deadlines that are quickly approaching that FSA program participants need to be watching. At this time there has been no indication that an extension for program deadlines will be given for any program, so producers are encouraged to plan accordingly.

MILC participants have until Nov. 1 to submit production evidence for any prior payment-eligible months, including un-submitted production from the 2009-2013 fiscal years.

The expiration of the 2008 farm bill on Sept. 30 means this program has ended and must be closed out in a timely manner. Wheat producers wanting to file a prevented planting claim are reminded this must be done within 15 days of the final planting date for the crop.

Ohio has two final planting dates, one for northern counties and one for far southern counties. The majority of counties in Ohio are required to file prevented planting wheat notices with FSA by Nov. 4.

Local office

Check with your local office to determine your final prevented planting reporting date. Nov. 20 is an upcoming deadline for producers purchasing Noninsured crop disaster Assistance Program coverage for the 2014 year on certain orchard and perennial crops.

Apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, chestnuts, forage for hay and pasture, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, honey and maple sap coverage through FSA is available in counties where crop insurance is not available on each individual crop.

NAP coverage costs $250 per crop, not to exceed $750 per county and $1,875 per producer. The current program offers 50 percent coverage at a 55 percent price level. Premiums and benefits may change depending on the outcome of farm bill legislation. Contact your local FSA office for more information.

That’s all for now,

FSA Andy