(Press Release) Forage, winter wheat, and barley producers interested in participating in FSA’s Non-insured Crop Disaster Program or crop insurance in 2011 have until September 30, 2010 to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements.

Forage crops include most spring planted forages and pasture land forages not covered by federal crop insurance. Winter and spring plantings of wheat, barley and rye, and mint also have a September 30, 2010 deadline date.

In addition, perennial crop deadlines on fruit and other crops such as apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, honey, maple sap, asparagus and a number of other perennial crops is November 20, 2010. Please check with your crop insurance agent or local FSA regarding the 2010 CI or NAP application deadlines.

By meeting the disaster programs’ eligibility requirements, producers may benefit from disaster programs enacted thru the 2008 Farm Bill if crop losses or disasters occur. Each disaster program requires policy coverage on crops to maintain eligibility in the disaster programs.

SURE (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Programs) provides benefits for farm crop revenue losses due to natural disaster. For a producer to be eligible for SURE all of the farming operation’s crops (planted or intended) and all hay crops that are of economic significance must be covered by either Federal Crop Insurance (CI) or NAP coverage. Coverage must also be obtained for other crops for which CI or NAP is available, such as nursery, honey, aquaculture, and floriculture. Grazed crops do not require coverage to be eligible for SURE.

Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of “Socially Disadvantaged,” “Limited Resource,” or “Beginning Farmers” do not have to meet this requirement. Producers may contact the Marathon County FSA to determine if they meet these definitions.

For more information call the Marathon County Farm Service Agency at 715-848-2330.