FSA offers several programs

WASHINGTON – The Farm Service agency has released updates and deadlines for enrollment in various programs.

■ Enrollment for the Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment and the ACRE Program for farms with base acres will continue until June 1.

Late-filed applications will not be accepted.

To enroll in the programs, farmers and landowners must complete the paperwork for the effective contract for the 2012 growing year, the FSA-931 Adjusted Gross Income, FSA-902 Plan of Operation, defining the entities requesting benefits and the AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification forms.

■ Changes have been made to the Farm Storage Facility Loan program.

The FSFL program provides low-interest financing for producers of eligible commodities to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.

■ The FSA also is reminding farmers and farm landowners that are interested in installing conservation practices or habitats on their farmland to consider the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.

To be eligible for enrollment, acreage offered must have been cropped for the crop years 2002-07.

A producer must have owned or operated the land for at least 12 months before to signing the acreage into the CRP program and agree to maintain the design and covers established for the CRP and control noxious weeds. Wholesale cosmetic mowing is not permitted.

For more information on all programs, or to schedule an appointment to file paperwork, visit www.fsa.usda.gov. or contact any FSA office.

Area Farm Service Agency offices are:

■ Whiteside County, 16255 Liberty St., Morrison, 815-772-2124, ext. 2.

■ Lee County, 319 S. Mason Ave., Amboy, 815-857-3621, ext. 2.

■ Ogle County, 213 W. Pines Road, Oregon, 815-732-6127, ext. 2.

■ Bureau County, 312 E. Backbone Road, Suite 1, Princeton, 815- 875-8732, ext. 2.

■ Carroll County, 807 S. Clay St., Suite A, Mount Carroll, 815-244-8732, ext. 2.