What's Up at the FSA Office?
by Joyce Davidshofer, Allamakee County Executive Director
Meeting
The next Allamakee County Committee meeting will be February 11, 2016 at 9 a.m. at the Allamakee County FSA Office conference room.
Reminders
February 15: Office Closed for Presidents Day
February 26: Deadline for General CRP program
Changing Bank Accounts
All FSA payments should be electronically transferred into your bank account. In order to make timely payments, you need to notify the office if you close your account or if your bank is purchased by another financial institution. Payments can be delayed if we are not aware of changes to account and routing numbers.
Power of Attorney
For those who find it difficult to visit the county office personally because of work schedules, distance, health, etc. FSA has a power of attorney form available that enables you to designate another person to conduct your business at the office. If you are interested, please contact our Allamakee County FSA Office directly or by phone at (563)568-2148.
Change in Farming Operation
If you have bought or sold land, or if you have picked up or dropped rented land from your operation, make sure you report the changes to the office as soon as possible. You need to provide a copy of your deed or recorded land contract for purchased property. Failure to maintain accurate records with FSA on all land you have an interest in can lead to possible program ineligibility and penalties. Making the record change now will save you time in the spring. Update signature authorization when changes in the operation occur.
New General CRP Signup
December 1, 2015, through February 26, 2016 is the new general CRP signup. Land that is not currently enrolled in CRP may be offered for enrollment during CRP signup 49. In addition, CRP participants with contracts expiring September 30, 2016, may submit offers at this time. Accepted contracts for CRP signup 49 will become effective on October 1, 2016.
NOTE: Do not wait until February 26, 2016 deadline, due to determining eligibility per crop history and other steps in the CRP signup process.
CRP Reminder
CRP producers who have buffer strips, waterways, etc. in fields where the rest of the land can be cropped, you should review the CRP acres to make sure the size requirement is the same or if there is encroaching happening.
If you rent the cropland out, sit down with your renter to make sure they understand the CRP regulations, number of acres under contract, and if there were to be a violation the penalty will be assessed to the participants who signed the CRP contract. As the landowner on the CRP contract, it is your responsibility to make sure the CRP acres are in compliance.
If you have any questions on this reminder, contact the Allamakee County FSA Office at (563)568-2148.
