Northwest Iowa — Time is running short for farmers to certify their acres at their county FSA office.
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 July 15, 2017. However, since the 15th falls on a Saturday this year, farmers actually get a couple more days. FSA officials say that the deadline will be extended until the close of business on Monday, July 17th.
FSA officials do advise, however that acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county so they ask you to contact your local FSA office for a list of county-specific deadlines.
Some exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates, according to FSA officials. If the crop has not been planted by the applicable acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
They tell us that if a producer acquires additional acreage after the applicable 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 15th, according to FSA officials.
The FSA says that Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the applicable dates or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.
If you have questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, you can contact your local FSA office. Again, for most crops and most counties, the deadline is Monday, July 17th.
