Has your farming operation changed?

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

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

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Well, it's that time of year again. The birds are back, trees are budding, the hillsides are turning green, cows are calving and spring planting season is upon us.

Before you get too busy in the fields, now is the best time to update your records at your local Farm Service Agency office. Your farm records are the backbone of our programs here at FSA.

There are so many small things that may happen during the year that can potentially affect your farm operating plan or AGI, and in turn your USDA program eligibility. Now is the time to get your records in order for 2012.

Take time to reflect on the last year and think of any changes that you may have made that affect your farming operation.

Did you form a trust? Have you added or changed members in your farming operation? Are you or your family involved in an estate? Do you need to change/update your FSA power of attorney?

Did you pick up a new piece of ground? Are you plowing up some old pasture ground to plant a commodity? Did you remove trees or a fence line on some crop land? Are you doing any tile work? Did you drop your home phone service and now only have a cell phone? Do you have an email address to share with us? Did you move? Have you reviewed your tax records to make sure you meet income eligibility for USDA program benefits?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, or are unsure, call or stop by your local FSA office today. While you are busy preparing for your spring busy season, we are busy getting records in order to help expedite your visit to our office, too.

FSA offices are printing your acreage reporting maps for you to pick up, completing farm reconstitutions for land ownership/rental changes, preparing farm program (DCP/ACRE) contracts for you to collect payment, sending out CRP maintenance reminders, working with NRCS to help you update your Farm Conservation plans, and collecting 2010-2012 income certifications so you can receive your earned payments.

By updating your FSA records now we can provide you with the best customer service. We know you are busy and keeping us informed can stop you from making multiple trips to the office. We also know the last place you want to be on a beautiful day is standing at our counter while we update your records.

If you have any questions about your FSA records or any FSA programs please log on to www.fsa.usda.gov or visit your local FSA office.