As planting nears completion, producers need to remember to report crop acreage to their local Farm Service Agency before July 15.

USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam says filing an accurate crop acres report for all crops and land uses including failed acreage and prevent plant acreage ensures the receipt of an important safety net or disaster assistance, conservation and crop insurance programs.

“After spring planting is complete producers should make an appointment with their local FSA office to complete their crop acreage reports,” Beam says.

Some reporting deadlines will vary by county and by crop and Beam encourages producers to contact the office to confirm this information.

Documentation needed to file the report includes crop or crop type, intended use of crop, the number of crop acres, a map with the approximate crop boundaries, planting dates, planting patterns, producer shares, irrigation practice if any, and prevented planting. There are some exceptions for crop planting reporting dates.

“If the crop has not been planted by the acreage report deadline then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 days after the crop has been planted,” Beam says. “If the producer acquires additional acreage after the reporting deadline the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after the purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the local office to help verify.”

Additional details associated with crop acreage reporting including deadlines and documentation is available through local FSA offices or online at www.fsa.usda.gov.