Sept. 30 is important farm program deadline years ago
By WILLIAM J. HARMON
Executive Director
Marion County FSA
Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) participating producers are reminded the deadline to submit payment eligibility documents such as forms CCC-509, DCP contract, CCC-502, Farm Operating Plan, CCC-526, Payment Eligibility Average Adjusted Gross Income Certification, and AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Certification, is no later than Sept. 30.
These forms must be on file and are necessary for every program producer to earn DCP payments. Most producers have earlier in the year completed and submitted these forms however, if there have been any changes to their farming operations, a refiling may be needed.
Also, under the rules of the DCP, producers can opt to forgo participating in the program for any year they may choose in which case the form submissions would not be required.
For those who might find it difficult to visit the county office to certify or sign these eligibility documents because of work schedules distance, or health reasons, a Power of Attorney or FAX authorization can be requested and processed to assist you in expediting any USDA business matter.
The DCP is a financial safety net program for America's farmers that authorizes direct and counter-cyclical payments to enrolled producers. Both payments are computed using the base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute, regardless of market prices.
Counter-cyclical payment rates, on the other hand, vary depending on market prices. Counter-cyclical payments only are issued when the effective price (which takes into account the direct payment rate, market price, and CCC loan rate) for a crop is below the target price for the commodity.
