January 8, 2013

Contact:

Shelly Bilderback

405-742-1041

STILLWATER, Okla., January 8, 2013 – Francie Tolle, executive director for Oklahoma Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminds producers of the importance of submitting their annual report of acreage to local FSA county offices.

In the fall of 2012, FSA announced new reporting dates for perennial forage crops (November 15) and fall seeded grains (December 17). In prior years, reports for these crops were not due to FSA until later in the spring and summer. This change was part of an initiative at the national level to align acreage reporting dates between FSA and Risk Management Agency (RMA) and reduce the crop reporting burden on producers.

“Acreage reporting deadlines must be met in order for producers to remain eligible for FSA programs. To assist producers in adjusting to the new deadlines, FSA will not be charging a late reporting fee for the 2013 crop year, but it is very important that producers visit their local FSA office to report their acreage for these crops as soon as possible,” said Tolle.

All acreage must be reported for a farm, including crops on non-cropland such as hayed or grazed grassland in order to be eligible for most FSA programs. It is also important to accurately report crops’ intended use. Intended use is used to determine eligibility in many FSA programs and cannot be revised once reported.

Producers should contact their local FSA county office if they are uncertain about reporting deadlines. In order to meet FSA program eligibility requirements, producers must submit timely acreage reports. Reports filed after the established deadlines must meet certain requirements to be accepted.

For more information on FSA crop reporting requirements, visit your local FSA office or visit us online at www.fsa.usda.gov/ok.

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