FSA acreage reports due by July 15

The Sheboygan County Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers to submit their annual acreage report to the Sheboygan County FSA office by July 15, 2010, to meet FSA program eligibility requirements.

Producers must file their reports accurately and timely for all crops and land uses, including prevented and failed acreage, to ensure they receive the maximum FSA program benefits possible.

Accurate acreage reports are necessary to determine and maintain eligibility for various programs, such as the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program and newer programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Programs include the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Tree Assistance Program (TAP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP).

Acreage reports are considered timely filed when completed by the applicable final crop-reporting deadline of July 15. Prevented acreage must be reported within 15 calendar days after the final planting date. Failed acreage must be reported before the disposition of the crop. NAP crops that are harvested prior to July 15 must report by the earlier of July 15, 2010 or 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest or grazing. Producers should contact their county FSA office if they are uncertain about reporting deadlines.

Late-filed provisions may be available to producers who are unable to meet the reporting deadline as required. Reports filed after the established deadline must meet certain requirements to be accepted and may be charged late fees.

Please feel free to contact the Sheboygan County FSA Office at 920-467-9917, ext. 2 to schedule an appointment. More information on FSA programs is at www.fsa. usda.gov.