(Neb.) - Deadline Approaches for Farm Service Agency Programs

By: John Thayer Posted at: 05/23/2012 10:55 AM
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger, reminds producers that June 1, 2012, is an important program deadline, as it is the final date to apply for Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program payments (SURE), and enroll in the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE).

"It is crucial that producers meet the deadline for these programs in order to receive disaster
and income support," said Steinkruger. “These programs form part of the critical safety net that
helps farmers and ranchers manage the risk they face every day” he said.

While SURE helps after natural disasters strike, DCP and ACRE provide additional income
support. Eligible DCP participants receive a direct payment and may also earn counter-cyclical
payments when declines in price occur. Direct payment rates are established by statute and
issued regardless of market prices. Counter-cyclical payments vary depending on market prices
and are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is below its target price. FSA
reminds producers that the 2008 Farm Bill does not authorize advance direct payments for 2012.

ACRE protects producers from farm market revenue declines when revenue triggers are met for
a commodity at both the state and farm level. All owners and operators who will share in the
DCP and ACRE payments on the farm must sign up by June 1. Any changes to the farming
operation or producers with a risk in the production of crops must be reported, and the contract
revised, if necessary.

"ACRE elections and enrollment must be completed by the June 1 deadline as late file provisions
are not available for ACRE," said Steinkruger. "If elected in a previous year, producers must
enroll for 2012 by June 1 to receive payment," he said.

The SURE program compensates producers for production and/or quality losses during times of
disaster. All producers who have experienced crop production and/or crop quality losses during
the 2010 crop year must apply for SURE program benefits by the June 1 deadline. Eligibility requirements differ between producers located in counties designated as a primary or contiguous
disaster county by the Secretary of Agriculture and between producers located in non-disaster
counties. In addition to other eligibility requirements, producers must have purchased crop
insurance through the Federal Crop Insurance Act or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance
Program (NAP).

For questions regarding SURE, DCP or ACRE sign-up, please contact the your County FSA
office.

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