A news release yesterday from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after spring planting should make an appointment with their local [FSA] office before the applicable deadline. July 15 is a major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop. Contact your FSA county office for acreage reporting deadlines that are specific to your county.
“‘The first step to become eligible for many USDA programs is to file an accurate crop acreage report,’ said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. ‘To file your acreage report, call your local FSA office to make an appointment. Your local staff is standing by to help you.’
“Due to the pandemic, FSA has implemented acreage reporting flexibilities. FSA can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, online tools and virtual meetings. Some FSA offices are open for in-person appointments, but you must call first to make an appointment.”
The FSA update added that, “Many 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 smart phone or tablet and call the FSA office for an appointment. You may also use Microsoft Teams from your personal computer without downloading software.
“County offices can provide producers with maps along with instructions for completing and returning the maps through either mail, email or through commercially available free and secure online tools such as Box for file sharing and OneSpan for eSignature solutions. After planting is complete, producers should return completed maps and the acreage reporting sheet by the applicable deadline.”
