2014 ACREAGE REPORTING DATES
In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Giles County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Giles County: July 15, 2014: All Other Crops, including HAY and PASTURE* * Very important to assure eligibility for the new livestock programs. 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. 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. For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Giles County FSA office. USDA KICKS OFF THE 2014 "FEDS FEED FAMILIES" NATIONWIDE FOOD DRIVE USDA kicked off the 6th annual Feds Feed Families Campaign on June 2, 2014. The food drive is an annual event in which Federal employees, nationwide, collect food for distribution by food banks, food pantries, and shelters. The Feds Feed Families program started in 2009. The 2014 food drive officially began on June 2 and will run through August 27. All Federal agencies across the country participate in the campaign and Federal employees are asked to donate non-perishable food items throughout the summer. Donations are given to local food banks across the country – having a positive impact to help food banks address food insecurity. Secretary Vilsack noted that the latest USDA estimates show that in 2012, food insecurity affected 14.5 percent of American households at some point. If you are interested in making a donation to the annual "Feds Feed Families" Food Drive, please contact your local USDA Service Center. HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND COMPLIANCE
Landowners and operators are reminded that in order to receive payments from USDA, they must be compliant with Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions. Farmers with HEL determined soils must apply tillage, crop residue and rotation requirements as specified in their conservation plan. Producers should notify FSA prior to breaking out new land, conducting land clearing or drainage projects to ensure compliance. If you intend to clear any trees to create new cropland, these areas will need to be reviewed to ensure any work will not jeopardize your eligibility for benefits. Landowners and operators can complete form AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification to determine whether a referral to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is necessary. For more information on Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions, contact a FSA County Office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov. BEGINNING FARMER LOANS FSA assists beginning farmers to finance agricultural enterprises. Under these designated farm loan programs, FSA can provide financing to eligible applicants through either direct or guaranteed loans. FSA defines a beginning farmer as a person who: § Has operated a farm for not more than 10 years § Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm § Agrees to participate in a loan assessment, borrower training and financial management program sponsored by FSA § Does not own a farm in excess of 30 percent of the county's average size farm. Additional program information, loan applications, and other materials are available at your local USDA Service Center. You may also visit www.fsa.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay),
(866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users). | 
No comments:
Post a Comment