Statewide Iowa — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds Iowa producers to complete crop acreage reports by the July 15, 2020 deadline — that’s this coming Wednesday.
FSA officials say you should contact your FSA county office for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop.
FSA Iowa Executive Director Amanda De Jong says that to make sure you’re eligible for many USDA programs, you need to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline. She says FSA staff are standing by to help you with your acreage reports, including providing maps.
This Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 is the deadline for Corn, Soybeans, Perennial Forage, and Spring Seeded Small Grains. Fall Seeded Small Grains don’t need to be reported until December 15th.
Due to the pandemic, FSA has implemented acreage reporting flexibilities. FSA officials tell us they can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, online tools, and virtual meetings. Some FSA offices are open for in-person appointments, but you must call first to make an appointment.
After completed maps and all acreage reporting information is received, FSA will make software updates and send producers the completed Report of Acreage form (FSA-578) to sign. Producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA office through the mail, email, electronic dropbox, or a secure physical drop box located at the county office by this Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
If a producer has not timely filed an acreage report, the producer may file the acreage report within 30 days of the acreage reporting date. Because of the pandemic, late fees will be waived if filed within the 30 days.
If you have questions, FSA officials tell us you can call your FSA county office. To locate your local FSA office visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
