USDA

   Rutherford County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Dianne Davis, announced that producers now have until January 15, 2014, to report crops that have a November 15, 2013 reporting deadline without paying a late-file fee. Crops under this waiver include perennial grasses intended for grazing or haying. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) did not grant a waiver so producers need to consult their crop insurance agent for deadlines for insured crops. 

   “In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Rutherford County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” said Davis.

   The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Rutherford County:

November 15, 2013:  Perennial Hay or Grazing, Apiculture January 15, 2014:  Wheat, Barley, Oats, Apples, Blueberries, Grapes, Canola, and Peaches

May 15, 2014:  Cabbage, Fresh Market Beans, and Potatoes July 15, 2014:  Tobacco, Corn, Grain Sorghum, Soybeans, CRP, and all other crops and land uses

September 15, 2014:  Cabbage and Beans Planting Period 2 September 30, 2014:  Aquaculture

   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.

   According to Davis, 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.

   Late file fees will be assessed for 2013 crops reported after September 15, 2013, and 2014 crops reported after January 15, 2014.

   For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Rutherford County FSA office at (828) 287-4220.