What’s new at the FSA

The Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program are being offered for the 2013 program year under the 2008 Farm Bill Extension.

The DCP/ACRE sign-up for 2013 began on Feb. 19, and the ACRE election and enrollment sign-up period will end June 3, while the DCP enrollment sign-up period will end Aug. 2.

The only program change from 2012 to 2013 is that all eligible participants in 2013 may choose to enroll in either DCP or ACRE for the 2013 crop year. This means that eligible producers who were enrolled in ACRE in 2012 may elect to enroll in DCP in 2013 or may re-enroll in ACRE in 2013 (and vice versa).

The eligibility segments of the 2008 Farm Bill were also extended. This includes producers filing a CCC-933 Adjusted Gross Income certification, which is the new form used for the 2013 program year.

We are asking that producers call ahead of time to schedule an appointment for the DCP/ACRE sign-up. However, this is not a requirement but an opportunity for producers to update changes that may have occurred since the previous years sign-up, which would allow our office to have these changes made prior to appointments. Some of these changes may include ownership, farm operation, share and producer information (address, phone number, etc.).

While I am on the topic of changes, Larry Lawson, farm loan manager, has retired and we would like to welcome Steve Schmillen, farm loan manager, and Patrina Thomas, farm loan officer, to the Bureau County FSA Office. Steve and Patrina are stationed at the LaSalle County FSA Office but will be visiting Bureau County frequently. If you would like to schedule an appointment to inquire about one of many Farm Loan Program opportunities that are available to you, please call our office and ask for Michelle.