Farmers participating in FSA programs are being reminded that Nov. 16 will be the final day to report planted acres of wheat, barley, rye or Speltz.

In addition to fall seeded small grain; hay fields for 2016 are also to be reported by Nov. 16. Almost every farm has hay acres so remember to file your report by the deadline. If the hay acres are the same as this year a phone call to the office will work.

FSA realizes many times these hay fields do not look so good in the spring and are planted to corn. This is not a problem. The acreage report can be revised when the corn is reported next year.

The following exceptions apply to the Nov. 16 acreage reporting date:

n If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

n If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

n 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 15.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact your local Farm Service Agency.

Butler, Beaver and Allegheny producers may call 724-482-4800, Ext. 2.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.