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2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) enrollment began on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 and will end June 1, 2012. Here are some important reminders:
• All producers planting on DCP base acres must be identified on the DCP/ACRE contract and receive a proportionate share of DCP/ACRE payment for the farm.
• Changes on the farm after enrolling June 1 in DCP/ACRE must be reported to your local FSA office such as: ownership changes; producer changes (individuals and entities); change in crop shares arrangements.
Note: Changes cannot be made after Sept. 30, 2012.

Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program
Because of the high feed costs and a declining milk price there is a possibility of FSA issuing MILC payments beginning with the February markets. Milk producers should inform your local FSA office if you have made any changes to your milking operation such as; entity changes, share changes, or where you market your milk. If you are a producer that markets more than 2.985 million pounds, there are specific rules for which month you can change the start month to begin payments on the pounds that are sold. Contact your local FSA office if you have additional questions.

Important reminder
All producers will need to have a 2012 AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) form on file to be eligible to receive payments. All individuals, entities and members of entities need to complete this AGI form.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Linda Hennen, State Executive Director of Minnesota's USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers to purchase FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for noninsurable crops in order to be eligible for the agency's disaster assistance programs. "Multiple peril crop insurance is an important risk management tool for farmers, but it's not available for all crops. That's why NAP is so important," said Hennen.
NAP is a federally funded program that provides coverage to producers for noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters. Crops eligible for NAP coverage are those for which crop insurance is not available, including fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, pecans, turf grass and forage crops, just to name a few.
"Producers must apply for coverage before a disaster strikes," said Hennen. "Like regular crop insurance, once an application period closes, the opportunity to obtain coverage is past."
NAP applications for coverage must be filed using Form CCC-471 and service fee paid by the application closing date. Applications closing date for spring planted crops such vegetable, fruits, and herbs are March 15, 2012. In order to enroll, producers need to contact the local FSA office where they farm.
More information about NAP and where to find your local USDA service Center can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Upcoming deadlines for 2012
• March 12 through April 6, 2012 - General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup.
• March 15 final date to purchase NAP coverage for pasture (coverage periods are county specific) and spring seeded crops that are not eligible for Multi Peril Insurance.
• June 1, 2012 - deadline to timely signup for the DCP and ACRE programs.
Farm Service Agency is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Visit the Farm Service Agency Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov for necessary application forms and updates on USDA programs.
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