Adrian J. Polansky, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas, reminds producers that program deadlines are approaching.

"It is crucial that producers meet the deadline for these programs in order to receive disaster and income support," said Polansky. "FSA realizes that farmers and ranchers take risks everyday and these programs form part of the safety net that can keep producers operating after devastating natural disasters and during times of low market prices."

Producers must report acreages of all small grain crops to FSA by May 31, 2012.   

The final date to request a commodity loan or LDP on 2011-crop feedgrains, oilseeds, cotton, lentils, and sunflowers is May 31, 2012.

Signup for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program for 2010 crop losses will end June 1, 2012. The SURE program compensates producers for production and/or quality losses during times of disaster.

2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) provide income support when there is a decline in commodity prices. Program enrollment ends June 1, 2012.  All producers receiving a share greater than zero on the DCP or ACRE contract must sign the contract no later than June 1, 2012.

ECP is approved in Edwards, Ellsworth, Rice and Stafford counties for eligible damage caused by tornadoes and high winds occurring on April 14 and 15, 2012.  Producers may file an application for cost-share assistance under ECP during a signup period from May 14 through June 22, 2012. 

Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program payments are available for commercial milk marketing's for February and March 2012.  The production limitation for fiscal year 2012 is 2.985 million pounds.  February 2012 Payment Rate is $0.3895043 per cwt. and the March 2012 Payment Rate is $0.82622432 per cwt.

On-going programs include Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating and Farm Ownership Loans, Rural Youth Loans, Farm Storage Facility Loans, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.

Due to budget constraints, FSA can no longer mail regular newsletters.   Producers are encouraged to provide their email address to the local FSA office to receive monthly newsletters and other bulletins by email. 

USDA office will be closed Monday, May 28, 2012 in observance of Memorial Day.  For more information please contact the FSA county office at the local USDA Service Center or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

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