What's up at the FSA Office?
by Cindy Mensen, Acting Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
ATTENTION FARMERS - REMINDER:
December 12: ECP sign up deadline.
December 15: Acreage intended to be used for forage and pasture in 2017 needs to be reported to FSA.
December 16: New deadline for the 2017 MPP decision.
Farm Storage Facility Loans
Farm Storage Facility Loans are now available for both new and used equipment, so if you are planning a big upgrade to your storage equipment or are considering adding any new equipment, stop in the office and inquire about the low interest loans that are available.
Certify all Forage and Fall Seeded Crops by December 15
This includes all hay and pasture acres that you are planning on cropping for the 2017 crop year. Also, any cover crops that you seed this fall will need to be reported. If you seed these after you have already reported your forage, you are still required to report cover crops within 15 days of planting so that you are not assessed the late file fee. The late file fee for 2017 will be $46 per farm at a minimum, depending upon how many fields and any measurement of split fields that are necessary. Please try to stop in the office at your earliest convenience to complete the Forage Certification to save yourself from having to pay the late file fee.
Dairy Margin Protection Program Sign-Up Extended to December
The Dairy Margin Protection Program Sign-up for the 2017 program year began July 1, 2016, and was to end September 30, 2016, but has been extended to December 16, 2016. Annual enrollment in the program is required in order to receive margin protection. Producers can stop in and pay the $100 application fee to be covered at any time and may increase the coverage before the December 16 deadline.
Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for the 2017 crop year has multiple sign-up deadlines for different crops, including fruits, vegetables, honey and other uninsured hay acres. Producers must enroll their eligible crops in the NAP program by the specific deadlines to be eligible. New Buy-Up Policies are available to increase the coverage to better protect you in case of any natural disaster that could affect your crop. The FSA Office number is 563-568-2148.
