What's Up at the FSA Office?
by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
February 17: Office Closed in Observance of Washington’s Birthday
February 28: CRP General Signup
March 15: 2019 ARCPLC Election
June 30: 2020 ARCPLC Election
September 30: PLC Yield Update
USDA Safety Net Program Enrollment Opens for 2019 and 2020
Producers now can enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs – two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety net programs – for the 2019 and 2020 crop year.
ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized and updated both programs.
Signup for the 2019 crop year closes March 15, 2020, while signup for the 2020 crop year closes June 30, 2020. Producers who have not yet enrolled for 2019 can enroll for both 2019 and 2020 during the same visit to an FSA county office.
ARC and PLC have options for the farm operator who is actively farming the land as well as the owner of the land. Farm owners also have a one-time opportunity to update PLC payment yields beginning with crop year 2020. If the farm owner and producer visit the FSA county office together, FSA can also update yield information during that visit.
Wool/Unshorn Pelts Triggers Loan Deficiency Payment in Allamakee County
Wool/unshorn pelt producers in Allamakee County may be eligible for loan deficiency payments (LDPs) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), which help producers under certain market conditions.
Currently, we are at a 2 cent LDP for ungraded wool and unshorn pelts. Since we have an LDP rate, wool/unshorn pelt producers are highly encouraged to complete a CCC-633 EZ, Page 1, as soon as possible for the 2020 crop year which runs from 1/1/20 to 12/31/20 with the final availability date of 1/31/21. Producers will then complete a CCC-633 EZ, Page 4, to request Price Support benefits.
You must have beneficial interest in the commodity, defined as having title, possession and control of the commodity, and responsible for loss of or damage to the commodity. All related application forms must be completed at the local FSA office prior to loss of beneficial interest. Other eligibility requirements may apply; consult your local FSA office for more information.
LDPs are no longer subject to payment limitations, actively engaged in farming and cash-rent tenant rules.
