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June 12, 2024 - Written By Geswein Farm and Land

2024 Indiana FSA Important Deadline Dates

The Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) assists farmers in finding the voluntary programs that help their operations. FSA’s programs are designed to keep farmers farming, families fed, and rural communities strong. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their Spring 2024 “Hoosiers Farmers in the Know” resource guide to inform farmers of what is currently going on in the industry. It is important to read because it also makes farmers aware of Indiana FSA important deadline dates.

 

Visit the Indiana FSA – USDA Website here > 

 

Hoosier Farmers in the Know Spring 2024 pdf >

 

DATEEVENT/DEADLINE
January 1Offices Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day
January 2Final Hive Reporting Date for Hives (Honey) and Maple Taps
January 13Application Deadline to Submit an Application for the Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act – Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
January 15Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday
January 16Final Acreage Reporting Date for Apples
January 30Final Date to Submit Application for Payment for 2023 Losses under Livestock Forage Program (LFP)
January 30Final Date to Submit Application for Payment and Notice of Loss (NOL) for 2023 Losses under Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). See NOL Section on Next Page
January 31Deadline to Apply for Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) for Unshorn Pelts Produced During the 2023 Crop Year
January 31Final Date to Submit Application for 2023 Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program
February 19Offices Closed in Observance of George Washington’s Birthday
February 28Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program Signup Begins
February 29Final Date to Submit Application and Notice of Loss (NOL) for 2023 Losses under Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). See NOL Section Below
March 1Final Date to Submit Supporting Documents (zero-share signatures, cash leases, payment eligibility, etc..) for 2022 ARC/PLC Purposes
March 4General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup Begins
March 15NAP Sales Closing Date for annual spring/summer planted crops not limited to: beans, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, canola, cantaloupes, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, herbs, honeydew, lettuce, oats, okra, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, sorghum, squash, tomatillos, tomatoes, and watermelons
March 152024 ARC-PLC Election and Enrollment Deadline
March 29Final Date to Submit an Offer for General CRP
April 1Final Date to Obtain Loans or Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP’s) on 2023 Harvested Small Grains
April 1Nesting Season begins for Conservation Reserve Program practices
April 29Final Date to Enroll in the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage Program
May 27Offices Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
May 31NAP Sales Closing Date for Nursery (Ornamental Nursery & Nonornamental Propagation Nursery) for the Crop Year June 1 – May 31
May 31Final Date to Obtain Loans or Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP’s) on 2023 Harvested Feed Grains and Soybeans
June 1Date used to establish ownership interest for person or legal entity for program purposes
June 1Date used for the determination of minor child for program purposes
June 15Nominations open for the 2024 County Committee (COC) Election
June 15Acreage Reporting Date for Cucumbers (Planted 5/1 to 5/31) in Knox County
June 19Offices Closed in Observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day
June 20Final Date to Submit a Prevented Planting Claim for Corn
July 4Offices Closed in Observance of Independence Day
July 5Final Date to Submit a Prevented Planting Claim for Soybeans
July 15Final Acreage Reporting Date for All Other Crops & CRP (Including Cucumbers Planted 5/10-6/15 in All Other Indiana Counties
July 15Final Date to Report Production for the preceding Crop Year for Farms Enrolled in ARC-IC
August 1Nesting Season ends for Conservation Reserve Program practices
August 1Deadline to File COC Election Nomination Forms – Postmarked or Delivered to the Local FSA Office
August 1Deadline to Request farm reconstitutions and transfers for 2024
August 15Final Acreage Reporting Date for Cucumbers (Planted 6/16-8/5 in Fulton, LaPorte, Porter and St. Joseph Counties)
September 2Offices Closed in Observance of Labor Day
September 16Final Acreage Reporting Date for Cucumbers (Planted 6/1-8/15 in Knox County
September 30Final Acreage Reporting Date for Value Loss & Controlled Environment Crop (for coming program year
September 30NAP Sales Closing Date for Value loss Crops for the Following Year (Flowers for Fresh Cut, Onion Sets, Turfgrass Sod, Christmas Trees, Aquaculture, Ginseng, Mushrooms, ETC..
September 30NAP Sales Closing Date for Garlic, Wheat, Barley, Rye and Mint for the Following Year’s Crop
October 1Final Date to Submit Receipts for 2024 Mid-Contract Management Practices on CRP Acreage
October 14Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day
October 31Final Date to Apply for Reimbursement through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) (expenses 10-01-2023 through 09-30-2024)
November 4Final Date to Submit a Prevented Planting Claim for Fall Wheat with 10/20 Final Plant Date (Indiana Wheat Annual Reporting Deadline Map is located at (fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Indiana/resources/index)
November 4COC Election Ballots Mailed to Eligible Voters
November 11Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
November 15Final date to Submit a Prevented Planting Claim for Fall Wheat with 10/31 Final Plant Date (Indiana Wheat Annual Reporting Deadline Map is located at (fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Indiana/resources/index)
November 15NAP Sales Closing Date for Perennial Grazing & Forage Crops (Alfalfa, Grass, Mixed Forages, Clover, Etc.)
November 20NAP Sales Closing Date for Apples, Apricots, Aronia (Chokeberry), Asparagus, Blueberries, Caneberries, Cherries, Grapes, Hops, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Strawberries
November 28Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving Day
December 2Deadline to Return COC Election Voted Ballots – Postmarked or Delivered to the Local FSA Office
December 16Final Reporting Date for Fall Mint and Fall-Seeded Small Grains
December 25Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas Day
December 31NAP Sales Closing Date for Hives (Honey) and Maple Sap
NOTE: The final acreage reporting dates are listed in this table. However, the final date for reporting any specific crop acreage for which NAP assistance may be paid is earlier of the date listed above or 15 calendar days BEFORE the onset of harvest or grazing
ONGOING SIGNUPS
Submit Offer for a CRP Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Practice
Submit Application for a Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL)
Submit Application for Farm Operating, Farm Ownership, Microloans, Youth and Beginning Farmer Loans
Sign Up for GovDelivery Electronic Newsletters (farmers.gov/working-with-us/stay-connected) or text alerts. (Contact Your local FSA Office or View the List of County Codes at (fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Indiana/index)
FILING NOTICES OF LOSS (NOL)
ELAPEmergency Livestock Assistance Program NOL must be filed within 30 calendar days after the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred. January 30th is final day to submit prior calendar year losses.
LIPLivestock Indemnity Program (LIP) NOL within 60 calendar days after the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred. February 29th is the final day to submit prior calendar year losses
NAPFile Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) NOL within 15 Calendar Days of the Earlier of a Natural Disaster Occurrence, the Final Planting Date if Planting is Prevented by a Natural Disaster, the Date the Damage to the Crop or Loss of Production Becomes Apparent or the Normal Harvest Date.
TAPSubmit Application for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) along with Supporting Documentation within 90 Calendar Days of the Disaster Event or the Date when the Loss is Apparent to the Producer.

 

Key USDA Federal Calendar Dates for Farmers and CRP Participants

Understanding Critical Deadlines

Managing farmland effectively involves staying on top of key dates and deadlines set by the USDA. These dates are crucial for maximizing benefits from various programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Important Dates for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

General Sign-Up Period The USDA announces specific periods for general CRP sign-ups. These dates vary each year, but they typically occur in late winter or early spring. During this time, farmers can apply to enroll their land in CRP to receive rental payments in exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production.

Continuous Sign-Up Unlike the general sign-up, continuous CRP sign-up is available throughout the year. Farmers can enroll land in CRP at any time if it meets certain environmental criteria, allowing for ongoing opportunities to benefit from this program.

Contract Expiration and Renewal CRP contracts usually last 10-15 years. It’s crucial for farmers to track their contract expiration dates and begin the renewal process well in advance. The USDA provides notifications, but proactive planning ensures there are no gaps in enrollment or missed opportunities for re-enrollment.

Key USDA Program Deadlines

Crop Acreage Reporting Farmers must report their crop acreage annually. The deadline typically falls between July 15 and August 15, depending on the crop and location. This reporting is essential for participating in various USDA programs, including subsidies, disaster assistance, and insurance.

Commodity Program Sign-Up The USDA sets specific enrollment periods for commodity programs, such as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. These dates usually occur in the fall, with deadlines around September 30. Missing these dates can result in the loss of crucial financial support.

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program Enrollment for the DMC program usually opens in the fall, around October, and closes in mid-December. This program provides financial assistance to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost falls below a certain level.

Organic Certification For farmers transitioning to organic production, important dates include annual application deadlines for organic certification, which typically fall in the spring. Meeting these deadlines is critical for maintaining or obtaining certification, which can open up new markets and price premiums.

Tips for Managing USDA Deadlines

  1. Maintain a Calendar: Use a detailed calendar to track all USDA deadlines specific to your farm’s programs. Digital tools or apps can provide reminders.
  2. Proactive Communication: Regularly communicate with your local USDA office to stay informed about any changes or updates to key dates.
  3. Documentation: Keep thorough records of all communications and submissions to the USDA. This practice helps in resolving any discrepancies or issues that might arise.
  4. Professional Assistance: Consider working with a farm advisor or consultant who can help manage deadlines and ensure all paperwork is correctly submitted.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of USDA announcements regarding CRP and other program deadlines.
  • Plan Ahead: Begin the renewal process for CRP contracts and other program enrollments well in advance.
  • Utilize Resources: Take advantage of local USDA offices and professional advisors to manage and meet important deadlines effectively.
  • Farm Management Services: Part of our full suite of farm management services includes the management of these vital programs and ensuring all deadlines are met and maintained

Stay ahead of important State of Indiana and Federal USDA deadlines with our expert farmland advisory services. Contact us today to ensure you maximize the benefits from CRP and other vital programs for farm payments and more.

Contact Geswein Farm & Land