FSA Reminders and Deadlines

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has several reminders and deadlines to announce for area producers.

Producers are reminded that nine-month low interest commodity loans are available. The October interest rate is 1.125 percent for all commodity loans, and producers may obtain these loans for 2012 crops stored on the farm in an eligible structure or at a public warehouse.

Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin FSA Executive Director, announced that ballots for the 2012 FSA county committee elections will be mailed to eligible voters on Nov. 5; the deadline to return ballots is Dec. 3.

Wisconsin producers have until Nov. 20 to sign up for (or renew) 2013 Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for perennial crops. This deadline applies to perennial crops such as apples, huckleberries, peaches, plums, asparagus, grapes, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, pears, cherries, honey, and maple sap, which are not covered under Federal crop insurance.

FSA also reminds producers that the recent changes to the 2013 crop reporting deadline includes a Nov. 15 deadline for perennial forages and fall seeded small grains.

For more information contact the county FSA office or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.