What's up at the FSA Office?
by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• December 15: Acreages intended to be used for forage and pasture in 2018 need to be reported
Margin Protection Program Sign-Up
Dairy producers can begin signing up for the 2018 Margin Protection Program. Sign-up runs through December 15. However, new this year, and for this year only, producers have the choice to opt-out of the program. If you choose to opt out, you will not need to pay the $100 fee. However, we ask that you stop in and write us a note indicating you are opting out. Please do that by December 15.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Payments
We began issuing payments for the Conservation Reserve Program the first week of October. CRP payments begin with those contracted prior to 2008. For CRP contracts that began after the 2008 Farm Bill, payments will be issued starting October 12. Remember that these take a few days to be deposited into your account.
ACR/PLC Payments
We also began issuing payments for the Agricultural Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage program, more commonly known as ARC/PLC. Allamakee County did receive an ACR-Co payment of $1.30 per base acre of corn. However, no payments were received for soybeans. These payments are calculated on 85% of base acres, also incur a sequestration cost of just over 6%, and are for the 2016 crop year. These also take a few days to show in your account.
October Farm-Stored Facility Loans
New rates were issued just last week for the month of October and are as follows:
• 1.5% for 3 years
• 1.75% for 5 years
• 2.00% for 7 years
• 2.125% for 10 years
• 2.230% for 12 years
• 2.375% for 15 years
Marketing Assistance Loans
As harvest begins on the 2017 crop, the FSA office would like to remind producers that marketing assistance loans are available through our office. The 2017 loan rates are $1.87 for corn, and $4.99 for beans. If you do take out a marketing assistance loan with us, we will need a copy of your driver’s license, as well as your spouse’s.
CRP Mid-Contract Management (MCM) Notices
Some CRP contract holders will receive a packet of information detailing the MCM activities that need to be completed in FY18. You can begin those activities as early as October 1, 2017. However, all activities need to be completed by May 14, 2018. Please stop in or call if you have any questions.
