USDA requires report of total cropland acreage
By WILLIAM J. HARMON
Executive Director
Marion County FSA
Farmers planning to earn and receive farm program payments and benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are required by existing farm bill regulations to file acreage reports for all cropland on enrolled farms.
Terms within the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) makes it mandatory for producers to report all cropland acreage, which may include converted pasture and haylands. Common crops to report at this time are corn, sorghums, soybeans, sunflowers, and alfalfa.
Reporting producers should be prepared to accurately certify planted acres and provide approximate planting dates on a field-by-field basis. If you have continuing coverage under a Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) policy, an acreage and prior year's production report also is required.
Producers have until Aug. 1 to file 2005 crop year final acreage reports. A large number of producers in Marion County have yet to file reports. So, those who have not yet finalized their reports should call the county office at 620-382-3714 to schedule an appointment to complete these duties.
Producers also should keep in mind that any recent changes in farm operations as a result of recent land purchases or sales need to be reported to applicable county FSA personnel no later than Aug. 1.
