Pennsylvania producers reminded of reporting deadlines

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania producers have until Jan. 15 to report crops that have a Nov. 15 reporting deadline, without paying a late-file fee.

Crops under this waiver include fall-planted small grains, fall forage seeding, and native and improved grasses intended for grazing or haying. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) did not grant a waiver, so producers need to consult their crop insurance agent for deadlines for insured crops.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” said Bill Wehry, executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.

The following 2014 acreage reporting dates are applicable for Pennsylvania: Jan. 15: apples, grapes, peaches, pears; June 15: spring barley, spring forage seeding, spring oats, rye, triticale, spring wheat; July 15: all other crops and CRP; Aug. 15: beans, cabbage.

Exceptions

Some exceptions do exist.

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 Wehry, 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.

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 filing fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after Sept. 15, 2013, and 2014 crops reported after January 15, 2014.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, contact your local county FSA office. For a list of FSA service centers, visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.