Red Willow-Frontier Co. FSA encourages producers to complete 2021 Spring Crop Acreage Certification

McCOOK, Neb. – Red Willow-Frontier County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Kenneth Carriker is reminding area producers that accurate and timely reporting of acres for all crops and land uses is an FSA program eligibility requirement. He is encouraging Red Willow and Frontier County producers to communicate with the FSA office as soon as possible regarding the spring acreage reporting process.

The deadline for acreage certification is July 15, 2021. This includes common spring-planted crops, such as corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, and forage sorghum, but also includes Conservation Reserve Program acres and perennial grass.

“In order to comply with program eligibility requirements, all producers must file an accurate crop acreage report by the deadline,” said Carriker. “Our staff is able to assist producers in completing acreage reports, including providing maps.”

The Red Willow-Frontier County FSA office provided maps to producers through the mail with instructions for completing the maps. After planting is complete, producers should return completed maps and the acreage reporting sheet within 7 days of completing planting.

After completed maps and all acreage reporting information is received, the Red Willow-Frontier County FSA will load the certification information and then contact the producer to acquire signatures on the completed Report of Acreage form (FSA-578). To be complete the acreage report must be signed and returned to the county office by the July 15th deadline

The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates:

-- If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is complete.

-- If a producer acquires additional acreage after the 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.

Producers should also report crop acreage they intended to plant, but due to natural disaster, were unable to plant. Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form CCC-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA’s Risk Management Agency.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) 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 or to schedule an appointment for service, please contact the Red Willow-Frontier County FSA office at (308) 345-4163, ext. 2.