Prevented planting deadline extended

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency extended the prevented planting crop reporting deadline for producers affected by spring flooding, excessive moisture, or qualifying drought.

Producers who intended to plant this spring, but were unable due to weather conditions, now have until the acreage reporting deadline for the applicable crop being claimed as prevented planting. July 15 is a major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and by crop.

Producers need to report prevented planting acres to retain eligibility for FSA program benefits. Normally, the prevented planting reporting deadline is 15 calendar days after the final planting date for a crop as established by FSA and the Risk Management Agency.

The prevented planting reporting deadline extension only applies to FSA and does not change any RMA crop insurance reporting deadline requirements.

The extension does not apply to crops covered by FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Producers should check with their local FSA office regarding prevented planting provisions for NAP-covered crops.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office as soon as possible to make an appointment to report prevented planting acres and submit their spring crop acreage report.