WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers and landowners have until August 31 to review and, if necessary, dispute newly assigned base acres on their operations following the recent expansion of the farm safety net.
USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says landowners should have already received notices outlining any additional base acres assigned to their farms for eligible commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat and rice.
Fordyce says producers who agree with the assigned acreage do not need to take any action. However, those who have questions or believe their base acreage is incorrect should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office before the deadline.
He recommends visiting the FSA office in the county where the land is located to review the calculations and receive clarification on any questions.
If no action is taken by August 31, the newly assigned base acres will become part of the farm’s permanent record.
The additional base acres could expand eligibility for farm safety net programs for producers who have been growing eligible crops without sufficient base acreage. USDA officials caution that landowners should not assume there will be another opportunity to challenge the assigned acreage after the deadline passes.
