USDA Reminds Producers to Complete Crop Acreage Reports for Fall-Seeded Crops

Contact: Wendy.mueller@usda.gov

Springfield, Illinois, November 16, 2020 – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds agricultural producers in Illinois to complete crop acreage reports by the December 15, 2020, deadline for fall-seeded small grains.

“To make sure you’re eligible for many USDA programs, you need to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said William Graff, FSA state executive director.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable in Illinois:

Dec. 15, 2020 Fall-Seeded Small Grains, Canola

Jan. 15, 2021 Apples, Asparagus, Blueberries, Caneberries, Cherries,Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Strawberries

To complete your acreage report, please call your local FSA office to schedule an appointment. FSA can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, online tools and virtual meetings. Some FSA offices in Illinois are not open for in-person appointments at this time.

FSA offices can provide maps to producers along with instructions for completing and returning the maps through either [mail, email or through commercially available free and secure online tools such as Box for file sharing and OneSpan for eSignature solutions]. After planting is complete, producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA office through [mail, email, or Box] by December 15, 2020.

The following exception applies to acreage reporting dates:

• If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

For questions, please call your FSA county office. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in the office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.