Add a visit to FSA office to your spring routine

By Pamela Stahlke
Pamela.Stahlke@mn.usda.gov

Date Modified: 05/30/2012 1:44 PM

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With Daylight Savings Time here it is time to start thinking of spring and all that comes with the change in season. Time to order inputs, purchase crop insurance, inspect equipment, sign-up for the DCP/ACRE program, and get ready for calving, lambing or farrowing.Spring is also time to think about reviewing and/or updating your conservation plan for the farms you are running.

Producers are reminded that participants in federal farm programs that farm land areas identified as highly erodible or wetland must comply with certain land and environmental conservation requirements to be eligible for program benefits. So before busting up that old pasture area, removing trees on the perimeter of a field, fixing broken tile, or draining a "wet spot" in the field visit your local FSA office to fill out an AD-1026. An AD-1026 and the accompanying farm conservation plan are used to help producers make educated production decisions to remain in compliance for farm programs.

An AD-1026 is a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification. This form is used to certify conservation compliance and document changes or maintenance being performed on the land you are running. Some common activities that would prompt a need to fill out a new AD-1026 or revise you farm conservation plan are: repairing tile, breaking up new ground, farming different land than previous years, changing your cropping rotation, filling in a "wet spot", or removing trees to enlarge a field.

A new AD-1026 is not required to be filled out every year. However, if producers are making any changes to their farm land they should call their local FSA office and ask if a new AD-1026 needs to be filed. By filing an AD-1026 you can be confidant that your planned land improvements or changes meet current conservation compliance regulations. If you have any questions about conservation compliance or any FSA programs please logon to www.fsa.usda.gov or visit your local FSA office!

Stahlke is the county executive director of the Winona County FSA.