FSA Crop Deadline

David Sparks Ph.D.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Idaho Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director Aaron Johnson, reminds agricultural producers that this July 15 is the deadline to file an acreage report for all spring seeded crops. Fall planted crops, including fruit (such as apples, cherries, peaches, grapes, etc.) honey, and forage have different dates. Again, spring planted acres must be reported to FSA by Tuesday July 15.  The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) requires producers to submit annual acreage reports on all cropland. Here is Candy Moore, Communications/Outreach Coordinator, USDA Farm Service Agency "Idaho has such a wide variety of crops that there are several deadlines throughout the year. July 15 covers the largest portion of Idaho crops including spring planted alfalfa," said Johnson.  "Timely acreage reports for all crops and land uses, including prevented and failed acreage that producers submit to their local FSA office, are important to ensure program eligibility."

Acreage reports to FSA are considered timely filed when completed by the applicable final crop reporting deadline. Perennial forage crops intended for grazing or haying were required to be reported last fall, whereas perennial forage crops with an intended use of cover only, green manure, left standing, or seed, must be reported by July 15. Producers should contact their county FSA office if they are uncertain about acreage reporting deadlines.  Johnson said that failed acreage must be reported before the disposition of the crop and that prevented acreage must be reported within 15 calendar days after the final planting date for the applicable crop.

For questions on this or any FSA program, including specific crop reporting deadlines and planting dates, producers should contact their county FSA office or seek information online at www.fsa.usda.gov