The Hopkins-Delta/Wood-Rains County Farm Service Agency (FSA) has released their October updates. Pasture and hay upcoming acreage reporting deadline and loans for targeted under-served producers are emphasized.
Pasture and hay upcoming acreage reporting deadline:
November 15, 2017 is the 2018 grass certification acreage reporting deadline. In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Hopkins-Delta or Wood-Rains County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. Acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after plantings is completed if planting follows the November deadline.
If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.
If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only”, “green manure”, “left standing:, or “seed”, then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.
Loans for targeted under-served producers:
FSA has a number of loan programs available to assist applicants to begin or continue in agriculture production. Loans are available for operating purposes and/or to purchase or improve farms or ranches. While all qualified producers are eligible to apply for these loan programs, the FSA has provided priority funding for under-served applicants . And under-served applicant is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of his or her identity as members of the group without regard to his or her individual qualities. For purposes of this program, under-served groups are women, African American, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. If producers or their spouses believe they would qualify as under-served, they should contact their local FSA officer for details.
FSA loans are only available to applicants who meet all eligibility requirements and are unable to obtain the needed credit elsewhere.
For more information on these or other programs contact the Hopkins-Delta/Wood-Rains County FSA Office at 903-885-4433 or visit the office at 530 N. Hillcrest Dr. Sulphur Springs.
