Dateline: January 30, 2003

Deadline for farm program approaching

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Bruce Ferguson, County Executive Director for the Donley County  Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds area farmers and ranchers to make an appointment to sign-up for the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP). 

The deadline to apply for DCP is April 1, 2003.  This date is outlined in legislation, and no extensions or exceptions will be made.

Ferguson commented that sign-up is averaging at least one hour per farm. He encourages producers to avoid procrastinating. If a producer is planning to update bases and yields, Ferguson encourages using the Base and Yield Analyzer Internet tool available at www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/farmbill/tools.asp.

If electing to update yields, producers will be required to provide all production records for 1998-2000.  For cash leased land, FSA requires a copy of the lease agreement if available and proof of lease payment.  If no lease agreement is provided, the landowner must sign for zero shares.   

Producers who have dropped, added, purchased, sold or otherwise changed their farming operation need to to report these changes to the FSA office.  Also, producers must certify any 2002 crop plantings or land use changes not previously reported.

For more information about DCP, FSA, or the farm bill provisions, contact you local FSA office at 806-874-3561.