Producers reminded of SURE deadline

Area farmers and ranchers are reminded of the application closing date for grass crops, alfalfa and clover under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Crops eligible for NAP benefits are limited to crops that are produced for food or fiber but are not otherwise insurable.

Producers must obtain NAP coverage on all 2011 non-insurable crops and purchase crop insurance on all 2011 insurable crops to remain eligible for the 2011 supplemental disaster assistance programs provided for in the 2008 Farm Bill. Those disaster programs include Supplemental Revenue Assistance (SURE), Livestock Forage Program (LFP), Emergency Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm Fresh Fish Program (ELAP), and Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Another program available, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), is exempt from the NAP or crop insurance coverage requirement.

Dec. 1 is the final date to pay the applicable service fee and obtain 2011 NAP coverage for all grasses including alfalfa, clover, all grass hay, and all grazing. Also included are some crops not commonly raised in this area: aquaculture, apricots, asparagus, barley, blueberries, caneberries (blackberries and raspberries), canola, cherries, Christmas trees, grapes, honey, lespedeza, mixed forage, nectarines, nursery crops, peaches, plums, strawberries and vetch.

The administrative service fee is $250 per crop per administrative county not to exceed $750 per producer per administrative county with an $1,875 maximum fee for multi-county producers. Interested producers must pay the fee and file form CCC-471, Application for Coverage, by the application closing deadline.

NAP coverage entitles eligible producers to a payment of 55 percent of an average market price for the commodity if a natural disaster caused a 50 percent production loss or greater of an eligible crop.

Producers are encouraged to purchase NAP coverage on all non-insurable crops and purchase crop insurance on all insurable crops to remain eligible for 2011 supplemental disaster programs. For some 2011 disaster programs, grazing land must have NAP coverage or crop insurance to be eligible. Interested producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency prior to the Dec. 1 application closing date to obtain NAP coverage and discuss eligibility for 2011 supplemental disaster programs.

ELECTION NOTE: Completed ballots for this year's election in LAA 1 (Franklin, Marion, and Walnut townships) must be returned to our office or postmarked by Monday, Dec. 6.