Acreage reporting due Nov. 15

Fall brings on thoughts of harvest goals, hunting season and preparations for cooler conditions ahead. We simply get busy. There is so much to get done when the weather cooperates. Crop progress looks to be a bit delayed this year due to “less than ideal” conditions earlier in the season. Use this added time to make sure all your Farm Service Agency paperwork is complete. Most importantly, make sure you are prioritizing farm safety as you bring in the harvest. Slow down, just enough to enjoy what you are doing. Every year, there are fewer and fewer people feeding the world. Be proud of what you do; we certainly are proud of you.

Certifying fall crops

As we march through September, we would like to remind producers who plant fall-seeded crops intended for grain that they must report their acreage to FSA by Nov. 15. Fall-seeded crops are commodities planted during the fall that will be harvested next spring. Examples of crops in our area would be winter wheat or rye, but that is not an all-inclusive list.

Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program primary nesting season has now passed. If you are a CRP participant who needs to complete a maintenance activity on your CRP, now is the time. These maintenance activities should be kept to the areas that are immediately affected by noxious weeds and use a method that will limit the damage to the habitat. As a reminder, periodic mowing and mowing for cosmetic purposes are prohibited at all times. The maintenance deadline for the 2025 CRP year is Sept. 30, 2025, to ensure compliance.

Farm Storage Facility Loans and Marketing Assistance Loans

Due to a change in policy, the process for completing all lien actions for Marketing Assistance Loan and Farm Storage Facility Loans may take longer than in prior years. Your local FSA team is already preparing for the 2025 commodity loan requests and asks those interested in either of these loans to submit requests early so they can be processed on time.

Protect your USDA benefits

As you consider tiling activities, removing trees or bringing land into production, be sure your proposed activity complies with federal Wetland Conservation and Highly Erodible Land regulations and, therefore, does not jeopardize your U.S. Department of Agriculture benefits. When you are in doubt, contact our office. Remember to also check with the Soil and Water Conservation District regarding applicable state and county laws.

Farm safety

Flowing grain in a storage bin or gravity-flow wagon is like quicksand — it can kill quickly. It takes less than five seconds for a person caught in flowing grain to be trapped. The mechanical operation of grain handling equipment also presents a real danger. Augers, power take-offs and other moving parts can grab people or clothing. These hazards, along with pinch points and missing shields, are dangerous enough for adults, not to mention children. It is always advisable to keep children at a safe distance from operating farm equipment. Always use extra caution when backing or maneuvering farm machinery. Ensure everyone is visibly clear and accounted for before machinery is engaged. FSA wants all farmers to have a productive crop year, and that begins with putting safety first.

Jerry Hurrle, farm loan manager

FSA continues to offer a variety of loan options for farmers who may need financial assistance. One of our loan options is a special loan program for youth to start an agricultural project. The youth loan program is available for qualified youth between 10 and 21 years of age to conduct modest projects in connection with their participation in 4-H, FFA or similar organizations. The project must produce adequate income to meet expenses and debt repayment with a maximum loan of $10,000. This is a great way for them to learn about operating a business, maintaining records, and hopefully making a profit. This may also be the start they need to grow into a future farm operation. To learn more about our youth loan program or our other loan options, please contact your local FSA office or visit our website at www.farmers.gov or www.fsa.usda.gov.

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.