Dateline: September 11, 2003

Weevil assessments being mailed now

ABILENE - Boll weevil eradication assessment notices were recently mailed to cotton producers in the Northern Rolling Plains eradication zone, which includes Donley County.

The assessments are based on information cotton producers provide the Farm Service Agency when they certify their crops. If growers find an error in their billing, they will need to correct the information at their local FSA office and forward the corrected information to the Foundation.

A two percent discount is available to growers who pay the full assessment by September 23.

Growers with failed acres are eligible to receive a credit of 50 percent of their assessment on those acres completely destroyed prior to the final certification date. Qualifying failed acres must remain free of all hostable cotton until a killing freeze to receive the credit.

“For those having difficulty paying their assessment, help is available by contacting the assessments department and arranging an extension agreement,” said Chief Financial Officer Tina Ballard.

Producers entering into an extension agreement must make a 10 percent down payment, and they will be charged a late fee of one percent per month until their accounts are paid. This late fee begins on the date the signed agreement and down payment are received by the Assessments Department. Producers who are delinquent in payment and who do not have an extension agreement are subject to a late fee of 1.5 percent per month.

For more information call the Assessments Department in Abilene at (866) 672-2800.