Local farmers now have until Jan. 15 to report Alabama crops that have a Nov. 15, 2013, reporting deadline without paying a late-file fee.

Crops under this waiver include apiculture, PRF (pasture, rangeland, and forage) insured crops, and permanent grasses, including, but not limited to Bahia, Bermuda, Dallas, and Fescue. 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 Olivia McCray, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County executive director.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Alabama: Jan. 2 for honey; Jan. 15 for blueberries, canola, rapeseed, fall oats, peaches, and fall wheat; March 15 for pecans and potatoes (planted Jan. 1-March 1); May 15 for sweet corn, potatoes (planted March 2- April 15); May 31 for nursery crops; July 15 for all other crops; Sept. 30 for aquaculture and value loss crops.

The following exceptions apply to the 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 15.

Late file fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after Sept. 15, 2013, and 2014 crops reported after Jan. 15.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Butler County FSA office at 334-382-3151 ext. 2.