Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Rick Neffendorf announced that producers now have until January 15, 2014, to report crops that have a November 15, 2013, or December 15, 2013, reporting deadline without paying a late-file fee. Crops under this waiver include wheat and native and improved grasses intended for grazing or haying. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) did not grant a waiver so producers need to consult their crop insurance agent for deadlines for insured crops.
“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline," said Neffendorf.
The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County:
December 15, 2013: Rye, Triticale and Barley if planted by December 15th
January 15, 2014: Wheat, Barley if planted after Dec 15th and Oats Planted by Dec 15th and Grapes
May 15, 2014: Pecans, Oats if planted after December 15th
July 15, 2014: Corn, Grain Sorghum, Haygrazers and CRP
The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:
If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.
If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or “seed” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.
According to Neffendorf, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.
Additionally, producers can purchase both NAP and RMA coverage for 2014 annual forage crops. NAP coverage will not be available for 2015 annual forage crops.
Late file fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after September 15, 2013, and 2014 crops reported after January 15, 2014.
For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Gillespie-Kendall-Blanco County FSA office at 830-997-3453 Ext 2.
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