FAQ: What are the dates to sign up for FSA's 2011 Direct and Counter Cyclical Program—the DCP--and the ACRE option? Are there any other important FSA program dates we should watch for this fall?
Answer: Provided by Beth Grabau, public relations and outreach specialist, Farm Service Agency state office in Des Moines.
Sign up for the 2011 DCP/ACRE program began on October 1, 2010 and continues until June 1, 2011. This deadline means that all individuals receiving a share of the DCP or ACRE contracts must have signatures filed by June 1, 2011. If producers are interested in enrolling in ACRE for the first time, the election form and contract must also be completed by June 1, 2011.
If producers need to prioritize crops for the 2011 crop year, September 30, 2011 is the final date to file this request. And for those enrolled in ACRE during 2010, July 15, 2011 is the final date to report production to County offices for the 2010 crop year.
If you have specific questions or need details regarding USDA farm programs, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office. You can also get news and information about DCP, ACRE and other USDA programs at www.fsa.usda.gov.
Two Iowa State University Extension Web sites have farm program information and analysis. They are ISU's Ag Decision Maker site at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm and ISU Extension Specialist Steve Johnson's site at www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/farmmanagement.htm.
And be sure to read the regular column "Frequently Asked Questions about the Farm Program" that appears in each issue of Wallaces Farmer magazine and at www.WallacesFarmer.com