Crop growers across Oklahoma are reminded of a critical upcoming deadline to report their crop acreage, a vital step for participation in various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bill Beam emphasized the importance of this report for producers.
“A crop acreage report document is a crop grown on a farm or a ranch, its intended use and location,” explained Beam, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the information required. He urged producers to “contact their local FSA office for acreage reporting deadlines that are specific to their county.”
Reporting accurate crop acreage is essential for farmers to remain eligible for a wide array of USDA programs, which provide crucial support and safety nets for agricultural operations.
To file a crop acreage report, producers need to furnish several key pieces of information:
- Crop or crop type/variety
- Intended use of the crop
- The number of crop acres
- A map with approximate crop boundaries
- Planting dates and patterns (when applicable)
- Producer shares
- Irrigation practices (if any)
- Acreage prevented from planting (when applicable)
- Any other required information
While specific deadlines vary by county and crop, there are a few important exceptions to be aware of. According to Beam, “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 or you have completed planting.”
Another exception applies if a producer acquires additional acreage after the reporting deadline. In such cases, “the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after the purchase or acquiring the lease,” Beam stated, adding that “appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office to help verify.”
Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office promptly to confirm their specific reporting deadlines and obtain any necessary guidance. Failure to file an accurate and timely acreage report can result in the loss of program benefits.
In Oklahoma, the general due date for crop acreage reports, including corn, is July 15th. However, there are exceptions, and producers should confirm their specific county’s deadline with their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Staying informed and proactive is crucial for growers seeking to optimize their participation in USDA programs.
