Producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses can prevent the potential loss of Farm Service Agency program benefits, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Olivia McCray said.

McCray urged close attention be paid to acreage reporting dates.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” said McCray.

Producers who file after the applicable dates will be charged late filing fees, as required by program policy.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Butler County:

July 15:  wheat, corn, peanuts, cotton, soybeans, sorghum and oats

The following exceptions apply to the above 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.

According to McCray, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program 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.

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