Acreage reporting deadline earlier

Based on an objective to eventually coordinate crop reporting requirements for USDA programs and crop insurance (requiring only one crop report), the final date to report spring and summer planted crops for 2012 was moved up to July 15 for both Kansas and Missouri producers. This is the first year for this earlier deadline.

Since mid-June has already passed, the time left to complete this task is rapidly shrinking.

Reporting of all crop and land uses remains a requirement under the terms of the current farm bill for most USDA program participation -- including the Conservation Reserve Program, the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program, Acreage Crop Revenue Election, Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments, Non-insured Crop Disaster Program, etc.

We are encouraging those needing to file an acreage report to please call ahead for an appointment. In Bourbon County, call (620) 223-1880. This will allow us to prepare for your visit, as well as to reserve a time for you, avoiding your having to wait in line.

Program participation requires the acreage report be filed. If completed late, the late-filed report will require a farm visit to verify and measure reported acres delaying the completion of the acreage reporting process for the applicable farms. Call our office right away to schedule your visit.

Small talk: Changing the subject a bit, the weather has been a "hot" topic in our office of late (or should I say "hot and dry" topic). With the mild winter and spring, much of the planting around the area was completed earlier than normal. With the early warm soil temperatures, corn stands are generally excellent, creating elevated expectations for this year's crop.

It does seem, however, that you can count on an occasional "bump in the road" to occur out on the farm. That initial "bump" this year is the driest May in at least the last 10 years (that is as far back as I found month-by-month data). The long-time average rainfall for May at Fort Scott is 4.94 inches.

In May 2012, the National Weather Service reporting station recorded 2.49 inches -- only half the average. The next lowest amount during that 10-year period was 2005's 3.06 inches. This April was wet enough with between 6 and 7 inches, but May progressively dried out as the weeks passed. June, by the averages, is the wettest month of the year at 5.71 inches, but it has only afforded .32 inches by mid-month.

Faith and guts: Most farmers have stayed in business over the years by having faith that things on the farm will work out in the end, and by having the guts to stick it out long enough to find out.

Those traits could also be needed for this year it seems. On the bright side: Prices seem to be holding at relatively stable levels -- it will be good to sell what is ultimately harvested for a decent price. And the wheat harvest appears to be the best in many years. Good yield and respectable price -- that doesn't always happen at the same time.

Program note: The Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program for 2011 crops will be available for enrollment later this year. The beginning dates will be announced when available.