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 How to File a Report
The following acreage reporting dates are applicable in
Illinois:
- July 15, 2021 for corn, soybeans, oats and hay
- December 15, 2021 for 2022 crop year wheat
- January 2, 2022 for 2022 crop year honeybees
Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural
producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of
the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited
visitors. Contact your local county FSA office to set up an
in-person or phone appointment.
USDA Announces Dates for Conservation
Reserve Program General and Grasslands Signups
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has
set a July 23, 2021, deadline for agricultural producers and
landowners to apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
General signup 56. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency
(FSA) will accept applications for CRP Grasslands from July 12
to August 20. This year, USDA updated both signup options to
provide greater incentives for producers and increase its
conservation benefits, including reducing the impacts of climate
change.
Both signups are competitive and will provide for annual rental
payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.
General Signup
Through CRP, producers and landowners establish long-term,
resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or
trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and
enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Lands enrolled in CRP also
play a key role in mitigating impacts from climate change, and
FSA has added a new Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for
practices that sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
FSA is also adding a one-time “inflationary” adjustment for
payment rates, as well as having more flexibility on adjusting
soil rental rates.
FSA opened the General Signup in January 2021 and extended the
original deadline to July 23, 2021, to enable producers to
consider FSA’s new improvements to the program.
Grasslands Signup
CRP Grasslands helps landowners and operators protect grassland,
including rangeland, and pastureland and certain other lands,
while maintaining the areas as grazing lands. Protecting
grasslands contributes positively to the economy of many
regions, provides biodiversity of plant and animal populations,
and improves environmental quality.
FSA has updated the Grasslands Signup to establish a minimum
rental rate of $15 per acre, as well as new National Grassland
Priority Zones.
To enroll in the CRP General signup, producers and landowners
should contact their local USDA Service Center by the July 23
deadline. To enroll in the CRP Grasslands signup, they should
contact USDA by the August 20 deadline. While USDA offices may
have limited visitors because of the pandemic, Service Center
staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone,
email, and other digital tools. To work with FSA, producers and
landowners should contact their local USDA Service Center.
Contact information can be found at farmers.gov/service-locator.
Nominations to be Open June 15, 2021 for the
2021 County Committee Elections
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm
Service Agency (FSA) encourages all farmers, ranchers, and FSA
program participants to take part in the County Committee
election nomination process.
FSA’s county committees are a critical component of the
day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and
local administration of federal farm programs.
Committees are comprised of locally elected agricultural
producers responsible for the fair and equitable administration
of FSA farm programs in their counties. Committee members are
accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture. If elected, members
become part of a local decision making and farm program delivery
process.
A county committee is composed of three to five elected members
from local administrative areas (LAA). Each member serves a
three-year term.
Elections are held in the LAAs in which members have served
their three-year term.
County committees may have an appointed advisor to further
represent the local interests of underserved farmers and
ranchers. Underserved producers are beginning, women and other
minority farmers and ranchers and landowners and/or operators
who have limited resources.
All nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or
received in the local USDA Service Center by August 2, 2021. For
more information on FSA county committee elections and
appointments, refer to the FSA fact sheet: Eligibility to Vote
and Hold Office as a COC Member available online at: COC
Elections 2021 Fact Sheet For more information about the COC
nomination/election process, please contact your local County
FSA Service Center.
Reminders for FSA Direct and Guaranteed
Borrowers with Real Estate Security
Farm loan borrowers who have pledged real
estate as security for their Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct or
guaranteed loans are responsible for maintaining loan
collateral. Borrowers must obtain prior consent or approval from
FSA or the guaranteed lender for any transaction that affects
real estate security. These transactions include, but are not
limited to:
- Leases of any kind
- Easements of any kind
- Subordinations
- Partial releases
- Sales
Failure to meet or follow the requirements in the loan
agreement, promissory note, and other security instruments could
lead to nonmonetary default which could jeopardize your current
and future loans.
It is critical that borrowers keep an open line of communication
with their FSA loan staff or guaranteed lender when it comes to
changes in their operation. For more information on borrower
responsibilities, read Your FSA Farm Loan Compass.
After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA
Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute
Resources More Equitably
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced
that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring
financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt
the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new
initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a
broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs.
USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs.
The Department will also develop rules for new programs that
will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially
disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers,
timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food
supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others.
Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory
authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of
producers.
USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was needed, said Vilsack,
after a review of previous COVID-19 assistance programs
targeting farmers identified a number of gaps and disparities in
how assistance was distributed as well as inadequate outreach to
underserved producers and smaller and medium operations.
USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days
beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP
2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong
connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they
are informed and aware of the application process.
USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers – 4 Parts
Part 1: Investing $6 Billion to Expand Help & Assistance to
More Producers
USDA will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of
new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary
funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other
coronavirus funding that went unspent by the previous
administration.
Part 2: Adding $500 Million of New Funding to Existing
Programs
USDA expects to begin investing approximately $500 million in
expedited assistance through several existing programs this
spring, with most by April 30.
Part 3: Carrying Out Formula Payments under CFAP 1, CFAP 2,
CFAP AA
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020
requires FSA to make certain payments to producers according to
a mandated formula. USDA is now expediting these provisions
because there is no discretion involved in interpreting such
directives, they are self-enacting.
An increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers
with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive
these payments beginning in April. Information on the additional
payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap.
Eligible producers do not need to submit new applications, since
payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications.
USDA estimates additional payments of more than $1.1 billion to
more than 410,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
Additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of
eligible crops identified as CFAP 2 flat-rate or price-trigger
crops beginning in April. This includes alfalfa, corn, cotton,
hemp, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat,
among other crops. FSA will automatically issue payments to
eligible price trigger and flat-rate crop producers based on the
eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible
producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application. For a
list of all eligible row-crops, visit farmers.gov/cfap. USDA
estimates additional payments of more than $4.5 billion to more
than 560,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
USDA will finalize routine decisions and minor
formula adjustments on applications and begin processing
payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP
Additional Assistance program in the following categories:
- Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass
sod;
- A formula correction for row-crop producer
applications to allow producers with a non-Actual Production
History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019
Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield
in the calculation;
-Sales commodity applications revised to
include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane
Indemnity Program Plus payments, as required by statute; and
-Additional payments for swine producers and
contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold
and are likely to require modifications to the regulation as
part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however,
FSA will continue to accept applications from interested
producers.
Part 4: Reopening CFAP 2 Sign-Up to Improve
Access & Outreach to Underserved producers
As noted above, USDA will re-open sign-up for CFAP 2 for at
least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. FSA has committed at
least $2.5 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach
efforts intended to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will
cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections
to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are
informed and aware of the application process.
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Please visit www.farmers.gov for additional information and
announcements under the USDA Pandemic Assistance to Producers
initiative, which will help to expand and more equitably distribute
financial assistance to producers and farming operations during the
COVID-19 national emergency.
Farm Storage Facility Loans
FSA’s Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program
provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade
storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used)
structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks.
The low-interest funds can be used to build or upgrade permanent
facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include corn,
grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor
oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentils, chickpeas
and dry peas), hay, honey, renewable biomass, fruits, nuts and
vegetables for cold storage facilities, floriculture, hops, maple
sap, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry
(unprocessed), eggs, and aquaculture (excluding systems that
maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water).
Qualified facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage
facilities for eligible commodities.
Loans up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security
agreement and loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require
additional security. Loans exceeding $100,000 require additional
security.
Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit
availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse
range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized
businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers
markets, non-traditional farm products, and underserved producers.
To learn more about the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan, visit
www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport or contact your local FSA county
office. To find your local FSA county office, visit
http://offices.usda.gov.
Environmental Review Required Before Project
Implementation
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
requires Federal agencies to consider all potential environmental
impacts for federally-funded projects before the project is
approved.
For all Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs, an environmental review
must be completed before actions are approved, such as site
preparation or ground disturbance. These programs include, but are
not limited to, the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Farm
Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program and farm loans. If project
implementation begins before FSA has completed an environmental
review, the request will be denied. Although there are exceptions
regarding the Stafford Act and emergencies, it’s important to wait
until you receive written approval of your project proposal before
starting any actions.
Applications cannot be approved until FSA has copies of all permits
and plans. Contact your local FSA office early in your planning
process to determine what level of environmental review is required
for your program application so that it can be completed timely.
Borrower Training for Farm Loan Customers
Borrower training is available for all Farm Service
Agency (FSA) customers. This training is required for all direct
loan applicants, unless the applicant has a waiver issued by the
agency.
Borrower training includes instruction in production and financial
management. The purpose is to help the applicants develop and
improve skills that are necessary to successfully operate a farm and
build equity in the operation. It aims to help the producer become
financially successful. Borrower training is provided, for a fee, by
agency approved vendors. Contact your local FSA Farm Loan Manager
for a list of approved vendors.
Getting Acreage Reporting Right
You have a lot at stake in making sure your crop
insurance acreage reporting is accurate and on time. The acreage
reporting deadline for most spring planted row crops is July 15,
2021. It is a good idea to talk with your agent to confirm the
acreage reporting date for your policy. If you fail to report on
time, you may not be protected. If you report too much acreage, you
may pay too much premium. If you report too little acreage, you may
recover less when you file a claim.
Crop insurance agents often say that mistakes in acreage reporting
are the easiest way for producers to have an unsatisfactory
experience with crop insurance. Don’t depend on your agent to do
this important job for you. Your signature on the bottom of the
acreage reporting form makes it, legally, your responsibility.
Double-check it for yourself.
Remember - acreage reporting is your responsibility. Doing it right
will save you money. July 15, 2021 is approaching. Talk with your
agent to ensure you get your acreage reporting right. Always get a
copy of your report immediately after signing and filing it with
your agent and keep it with your records. Remember, it is your
responsibility to report crop damage to your agent within 72 hours
of discovery. Never put damaged acreage to another use without prior
written consent of the insurance adjuster. You don’t want to destroy
any evidence of a possible claim. Learn more by visiting RMA’s
website.
Maintaining the Quality of Farm-Stored Loan
Grain
Bins are ideally designed to hold a level volume of
grain. When bins are overfilled and grain is heaped up, airflow is
hindered and the chance of spoilage increases.
Producers who take out marketing assistance loans and use the
farm-stored grain as collateral should remember that they are
responsible for maintaining the quality of the grain through the
term of the loan.
Unauthorized Disposition of Grain
If loan grain has been disposed of through feeding,
selling or any other form of disposal without prior written
authorization from the county office staff, it is considered
unauthorized disposition. The financial penalties for unauthorized
dispositions are severe and a producer’s name will be placed on a
loan violation list for a two-year period. Always call before you
haul any grain under loan.
Update Your Records
FSA is cleaning up our producer record database and
needs your help. Please report any changes of address, zip code,
phone number, email address or an incorrect name or business name on
file to our office. You should also report changes in your farm
operation, like the addition of a farm by lease or purchase. You
should also report any changes to your operation in which you
reorganize to form a Trust, LLC or other legal entity.
FSA and NRCS program participants are required to promptly report
changes in their farming operation to the County Committee in
writing and to update their Farm Operating Plan on form CCC-902.
To update your records, contact your local County USDA Service
Center.
Signature Policy
Using the correct signature when doing business
with FSA can save time and prevent a delay in program benefits.
The following are FSA signature guidelines:
- A married woman must sign her given name: Mrs. Mary Doe, not Mrs.
John Doe
- For a minor, FSA requires the minor's signature
and one from the minor’s parent
Note, by signing a document with a minor, the parent is liable for
actions of the minor and may be liable for refunds, liquidated
damages, etc.
When signing on one’s behalf the signature must agree with the name
typed or printed on the form or be a variation that does not cause
the name and signature to be in disagreement. Example - John W.
Smith is on the form. The signature may be John W. Smith or J.W.
Smith or J. Smith. Or Mary J. Smith may be signed as Mrs. Mary Joe
Smith, M.J. Smith, Mary Smith, etc.
FAXED signatures will be accepted for certain forms and other
documents provided the acceptable program forms are approved for
FAXED signatures. Producers are responsible for the successful
transmission and receipt of FAXED information.
Examples of documents not approved for FAXED signatures include:
- Promissory note
-Assignment of payment
-Joint payment authorization
-Acknowledgement of commodity certificate purchase
Spouses may sign documents on behalf of each other
for FSA and CCC programs in which either has an interest, unless
written notification denying a spouse this authority has been
provided to the county office.
Reporting Organic Crops
If you want to use the Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) organic price and selected the "organic"
option on your NAP application, you must report your crops as
organic.
When certifying organic acres, the buffer zone acreage must be
included in the organic acreage.
You must also provide a current organic plan, organic certificate or
documentation from a certifying agent indicating an organic plan is
in effect. Documentation must include:
- name of certified individuals
- address
- telephone number
- effective date of certification
- certificate number
-list of commodities certified
- name and address of certifying agent
- a map showing the specific location of each field
of certified organic, including the buffer zone acreage
Certification exemptions are available for producers whose annual
gross agricultural income from organic sales totals $5,000 or less.
Although exempt growers are not required to provide a written
certificate, they are still required to provide a map showing the
specific location of each field of certified organic, transitional
and buffer zone acreage.
For questions about reporting organic crops, contact your local
County USDA Service Center.
Illinois/USDA-FPAC
Farm Service Agency/Risk Management Agency
3500 Wabash Ave.
Springfield, Illinois 62711
Phone: 217-241-6600 ext. 2
Natural Resources Conservation Service
2118 W. Park Court
Champaign, Illinois 61821
217-353-6600
Farm Service Agency
Dan Puccetti
Acting State Executive Director
Risk Management Agency
Brian Frieden
Regional Director
Natural Resources Conservation
Service State Conservationist
Ivan Dozier |
