Wisconsin Ag Connection - FSA: Deadline for Disaster Buy In Program is September 16

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

FSA: Deadline for Disaster Buy In Program is September 16
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/10/2008

The deadline to buy in eligibility for the 2008 disaster program is rapidly approaching. Producers without NAP or crop insurance have only until September 16 to buy eligibility in the 2008 disaster programs. Crop reports are required for 2008 on all crops, including pastures, for producers applying for any 2008 disaster benefits.

"Dry weather and frost is impacting corn and soybean crop production and quality in some areas of the state," said State Farm Service Agency Director Ben Brancel. "If this is the case in your area, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Call your local FSA office now to make an appointment to pay the buy-in fee."

Brancel says it is also important for producers to remember to have crop insurance or pay the buy-in fees for all possible acreage including any pasture acreage harvested or grazed by cows, horses, sheep, chickens, and any other domestic animal.

If you have not insured all possible acreage, you have until September 16 to pay the buy-in fee to be eligible for the new disaster assistance program. Payment of the applicable fees will allow producers to be eligible for financial assistance under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP), and Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Producers are reminded that payment of the applicable buy-in fee does not provide crop insurance or NAP coverage; it only affords eligibility for the 2008 disaster program.

The buy-in fee for 2008 eligibility is $100 per crop, but not more than $300 per producer per administrative county, or $900 total per producer for all counties less any previously paid fees for CAT and/or NAP. Producers can contact their local administrative FSA county office to get more information or pay applicable fees.

For more information on how the SURE program may apply to your farming operation, refer to the SURE calculator at www.fsa.usda.gov.