WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers this year will be able to update their base acres with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a move that has not happened in some time.
Dan Hunter with the Texas Farm Service Agency says this will be a crucial task for producers and emphasizes the importance of accuracy in these updates.
“And so this is going to give us a chance to make sure that we’re not only accurately reflecting what you’re planning and doing out there, but that you’re being able to sign up for the correct programs with the right amount of acres,” Hunter says. “So don’t forget about that. As you have a chance to go in and update those acreage, you want to go ahead and do that. And again, also looking at how you restructure your organizations with regard to payment limits, those types of things, having those opportunities.”
While much of the paperwork can now be completed online, Hunter urged anyone with questions to visit a local Farm Service Agency office.
“And people I know get scared, you know, am I going to do it right? Am I going to do it wrong? That’s why we still have our county officers there. They’re there to help you. They’re there to assist, make an appointment, and go and say, ‘Hey, I’m not sure I’m doing this right.’” Hunter continued. “We want to make sure we get this done correctly. And we want to make sure you’ve done it correctly. Because the last thing we want is for you to be in and have a situation where maybe you’ve not certified acreage correction. Maybe you’re not sure if you’ve got everything correct on your entities and those types of things. That is still going to be a giant need.”
USDA will allocate up to 30 million new base acres nationwide this year, though the final number could be lower if acres are prorated. Existing base acres generally remain in place, but farms can gain additional acres based on recent planting history.
