Acreage reporting deadline fast approaching

In honor of June Dairy Month, we raise a glass of milk to all the dedicated dairy farmers across the U.S. who work hard every day to sustainably produce milk, full of 13 essential nutrients. From cheese to ice cream, yogurt to butter or just a nice cold glass of milk, there are so many ways to celebrate dairy this month and every month. Thank you for all you do.

Now is the time to report your 2026 planted crops, pasture and Conservation Reserve Program acres. To maintain program eligibility and benefits, you must timely file your acreage reports each year by July 15. Your acreage reporting maps are available for pickup at any time. Call your local office to schedule an appointment. Remember, the certification process is not done until you have signed and returned the FSA-578 form. Avoid the rush; stop in soon.

Remember, your local county Farm Service Agency will also be accepting nominations for county committee members. Nominations close Aug. 1.

Do you have all your storage and handling equipment, semi-tractors, grain trailers, augers and conveyors ready for the 2026 harvest? A variety of structures, handling equipment and trucks are eligible under the Farm Storage Facility Loan program, including dryers, augers, trucks, grain trailers, semi tractors, baggers, bale wrappers, grain carts, sugar beet carts, forklifts and skid loaders, bulk tanks, propane tanks, hay barns, facilities for cold storage, storage, drying and handling facilities and many more available options.

A producer may borrow up to $500,000 per loan, with a minimum down payment of 15%. Loan terms range from three to 12 years, depending on the amount of the loan, with favorable interest rates (4.00%-4.625%) currently. If there is construction required, which would include ground disturbance such as site preparation, an environmental review must be completed before actions are approved. Contact your local FSA office to apply for our FSFLs.

CRP primary nesting season

The CRP primary nesting season is underway in all counties. Required CRP management and maintenance activities may not be conducted during this timeframe. CRP participants are required to contact FSA before completing any activities and obtain permission to spot spray, mow any weeds or control any rodents during these dates. We also advise contract holders to take some time and explore their CRP acreage throughout the year to ensure they do not have volunteer trees or noxious weeds. It is a CRP participant’s responsibility to maintain their CRP practice, and failure to do so could result in penalties of noncompliance up to and including contract termination.

Storm reporting assistance

As we move through the growing season, producers are reminded to report weather events that cause significant damage to crops, livestock and/or buildings. This information will be used to assess damages and determine what type of federal assistance is needed. Reports, as well as pictures, can be sent to your local FSA manager.

Farm stress

We know there is a lot of stress in the ag community right now. If you recognize this stress in your family members or friends, do not hesitate to seek appropriate help. The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides support for people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts related to farm and rural life. The helpline is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling (833) 600-2670, texting FARMSTRESS to (898) 211 or emailing farmstress@state.mn.us.

Most importantly, make safety your number one priority this summer. Be proud of what you have accomplished this year. We certainly are proud of you.

Farm Service Agency is an equal opportunity lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov for application forms and updates on USDA programs.