Producers in Butler and neighboring counties are reminded that Feb. 27 is the final day to update base acre yields and reallocate acreage bases.

This is very important for producers who plan on participating in the new Farm Service Agency Farm Bill Programs. Acreage bases and yields can only be changed now; after Feb. 27 they cannot be changed through the life of the farm bill that expires in 2018. Acreage bases can either be reallocated to reflect current planted acres from 2008-12 or retained as they were before 2007.

The choice of whether to reallocate or use existing base numbers has been a simple choice so far for those producers that have completed their choice. There really are only two choices; producers can make only one selection.

What is difficult to understand is the new reallocated base acres will not exceed the total base acres that were previously established years and years ago.

An example is a producer has an old existing corn base of 15 acres. Current five-year planting history indicates a five-year average of 75 acres each for corn and soybeans. The base will still only total 15 acres, but the producer may choose a one-crop base or two crop bases that total 15. It can get confusing, so producers are encouraged to contact the office.

Yield updates are now possible, 90 percent of the Olympic average actual yield compared with the existing counter cyclical yields on record at FSA.

Unlike acreage bases that could only be reallocated, yields can be updated and now is the time to do so. FSA yields were established in the 1980s and were unable to be updated until now.

Producers can update one crop or all crops that have bases. The update years are 2008-12: if actual yields for a specific year are less than the county average yield for that year, producers have the option to use the county average yields instead of their actual yield.

When producers update their yields production evidence is not necessary; however, it would be a good idea to have all the information together and easy to locate if a spot check is later conducted.

If livestock were fed, then a livestock feeding record could help document yields and production. Essentially, all producers do now is certify their yields for specific years. If a producer reported production history to crop insurance, FSA can use that information if the producer agrees.

Because many producers operate more than one farm, this process could take some time. Also, landowners need to sign up to update yields on their farm.

So it is best to contact the office now, as this process could take some time and information to be completed.

This process is for producers who plan on enrolling into the new Farm Bill programs. Enrollment is expected to begin in April.

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