Wallaces Farmer

USDA is reminding Iowa farmers to complete their 2020 crop acreage reports.

May 6, 2020

3 Min Read
USDA department of agriculture sign
REMINDER: Once farmers have completed planting their crops, they need to report planted acres to the local Farm Service Agency office. Farm Progress

USDA’s Farm Service Agency offices in Iowa are open for phone and virtual appointments only but can still work with producers on timely filing of crop acreage reports. FSA staff will provide assistance over the phone, by mail, email and through virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.

Filing an accurate and timely report for all crops and land uses, including prevented plantings and failed acreage, is an essential part of determining your eligibility for important USDA programs, including crop insurance, price support, disaster relief and conservation programs.  

These acreage reporting deadlines for 2020 are applicable in Iowa: 

  • July 15 for corn, soybeans, perennial forage and spring-seeded small grains 

  • Dec. 15 for fall-seeded small grains 

“To comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers must file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” says Amanda DeJong, state executive director. “Our FSA staff is able to assist producers in completing acreage reports, including providing maps.” 

Follow these procedures 

FSA county offices in Iowa will provide maps to producers through mail or email with instructions for completing the maps. After planting is complete, producers should return completed maps and the acreage reporting sheet by mail, email, electronic drop box or a secure physical drop box at the county office as soon as possible. 

FSA offices are using Microsoft Teams software to virtually meet with producers to review maps and documents for certification. Producers who want to schedule a virtual appointment can download the Microsoft Teams app on their smartphones and call the FSA office for an appointment. You can also use Microsoft Teams from your personal computer without downloading software.   

After your completed maps and all acreage reporting information is received by FSA, the agency will make software updates, and mail or email producers the completed Report of Acreage form, FSA 578, to sign. Producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA office through mail, email, electronic drop box, or a secure physical drop box located at the county office by July 15.  

Exceptions for acreage reporting 

The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates: 

  • If the crop has not been planted by the 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 acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office. 

Producers should also report crop acreage they intended to plant but, due to natural disaster, were unable to plant. Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form CCC-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA’s Risk Management Agency. 

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program policyholders 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, contact your local FSA office

Source: USDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

 

 

 

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