As planning preparations for crop season 2012 get underway, Matthew Peplinski, Marathon County Farm Service Agency's County Executive Director, reminds producers that enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program will begin on January 23, 2012, and continue through June 1, 2012. This is the final year of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).

USDA computes DCP and ACRE direct payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Payments will be issued in October to eligible producers at rates established by statute regardless of market prices.

"It is important for producers to begin the enrollment process," said Peplinski. "Annual contracts are required to be signed to receive program benefits. Producers are advised to contact the Marathon County Farm Service Agency Office to set up appointments as soon as possible before the June 1, 2012, deadline."

All signatures must be obtained by the deadline for both the DCP and ACRE programs. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the operator and owners of a farm to obtain and submit all necessary signatures on election and enrollment forms by the June 1, 2012, deadline.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to enroll in the DCP/ACRE programs, please contact the Marathon County FSA Office at (715) 848-2330 or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.