USDA announced on July 10 it is extending the deadline to file crop acreage reports for farmers in Iowa and 11 other states impacted by flooding and heavy moisture. The new July 22 deadline applies to reporting spring-seeded crops to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices and federal crop insurance agents.

USDA moved the July 15 deadline to July 22 for producers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

“Farmers throughout Iowa have been hit hard by heavy rains and flooding that has affected their operations,” says Amanda DeJong, FSA state executive director in Iowa. “The deadline extension provides more flexibility for producers who have experienced planting and field work delays.” Farmers not in the 12 selected states are required to file reports or be added to a county register by the original July 15 deadline.

Call FSA office to make appointment

Filing a timely crop acreage report is important to maintain eligibility for USDA conservation, disaster assistance, safety net, crop insurance and farm loan programs. “A crop acreage report documents all crops and their intended uses and is an important part of record-keeping for your farm or ranch,” says DeJong.

Producers filing reports with FSA county offices are encouraged to set up an appointment before visiting the office. Acreage reports from producers in Iowa who set up appointments before the July 22 deadline are considered timely filed, even if the appointment occurs after the deadline. 

The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting:

“Even though the deadline has been extended, we encourage producers to contact their local FSA office today to schedule an appointment to report acreage,” De Jong says.

Other USDA efforts to help producers

USDA is taking additional steps to help farmers across the country, including:

For more information, visit USDA’s Prevented or Delayed Planting webpage. For answers to specific questions about your farming operation, contact your FSA county office or visit fsa.usda.gov or farmers.gov/prevented-planting.