FSA program deadlines set

By Editor | August 3, 2011 |

Several deadlines are approaching for Illinois USDA Farm Service Agency programs.
NAP coverage is required on all non-insurable crops, and crop insurance is required on insurable crops to remain eligible for most disaster programs.
Among the deadlines are:
Aug. 31 – Final application closing date for 2012 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on canola.
Sept. 1 – Final application closing date for 2012 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on Christmas trees, aquaculture floriculture, ginseng root, mushrooms, onion sets and turfgrass sod.
Sept. 30 – Final application closing date for 2012 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on barley, forage (mechanically harvested and/or grazed), alfalfa, mixed forage, grass and rye.
Nov. 20 – Final application closing date for 2012 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, rhubarb and strawberries.
Dec. 1 – Final application closing date for 2012 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on honey.
In order to receive USDA program payments, each payment recipient must have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) verification consent form on file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Individuals must submit form CCC-927 and legal entities must submit form CCC-928. Without these forms on file, producers will not receive USDA program payments.
Emergency loans are available to help qualified producers in disaster designated counties recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters. Producers have eight months after the disaster designation to apply for a loan.
Producers with livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather must file a Notice of Loss within 30 days of when loss is apparent. Proper documentation of loss must be provided.
Livestock Forage Program provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffer grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. Fire losses apply only to federally managed rangeland. County eligibility is determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Producers must have crop insurance or NAP coverage on the forage or grazing land.
On-going programs include Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating and Farm Ownership Loans, Rural Youth Loans, Farm Storage Facility Loans, Transition Incentives Program, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.
Due to budget constraints, FSA can no longer mail regular newsletters. Producers are encouraged to provide their email address to the local FSA office to receive monthly newsletters by email.
For more information please contact the FSA county office at the local USDA Service Center or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.