By Carl Schweikhardt
USDA has provided an extension of the deadline to update base acres or yield history for ARC/PLC Programs. Farmers now have until April 7, 2015, to update yields and reallocate base acres; the deadline for choosing between ARC and PLC is also April 7.
Related: USDA farm bill program selection deadline is coming
That is next Tuesday. Time is running short. If you are going to take advantage of this opportunity and you haven't done so already, visit your local Farm Service Agency office today and complete the process. An opportunity to update yield and reallocate bases for the farm program doesn't come along very often.
If no changes are made to yield history or base acres by April 7, the farm's current yield and base will be used. A program choice of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made by April 7, or there will be no 2014 payments issued for the farm and the farm will default to PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year or length of the farm bill. Note that if you let it default to PLC, you are not entitled to payments, if any were due, for the 2014 crop year.
According to the Indiana State FSA Office, Indiana county FSA Offices have been proactive and worked extremely hard in reaching out to local farmers to complete the update and election processes. Indiana farmers have responded as Indiana rates among the leaders in the number of completed base and yield updates and elections in the country.
Related: USDA: ARC, PLC farm bill program sign-up deadline extended
Farmers who have not begun the process need to contact their local county office immediately to set up and appointment in order to have time to obtain the required information and signatures by the April 7 deadline. It is coming next week, right around the corner. Put it on your must do list.