Edmunds County Tribune -

Dates to Remember

Feb. 24, 2021 - ARC/PLC Producer Webinar @ 12:00

March 5, 2021 – QLA Program Signup Deadline

March 15, 2021 – Grassland CRP Signup Starts

March 15, 2021 – 2021 NAP Insurance Deadline

March 15, 2021 – 2021 ARC/ PLC Signup Deadline

April 23, 2021 – Grassland CRP Signup Ends

ARC/PLC Producer Webinar

Feb. 24th @ 12:00

South Dakota FSA Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Producer Webinar

https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1434038&tp_key=f634131087

2021 ARC/PLC Signup

ends March 15th

The Edmunds Co. staff is only contacting producers who have contracts that did not roll from last year. If all your contracts are multi-year, you will not be getting a reminder call or postcard.  If you would like to make changes, please contact the office before the March 15 deadline.

(QLA)Quality Loss

Assistance Now Available for Eligible Producers

Affected by 2019 Natural Disasters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that signup for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program began Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Funded by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to excessive moisture in 2019. The deadline to apply for QLA is Friday, March 5, 2021.

Applying for QLA

When applying, producers are asked to provide verifiable documentation to support claims of quality loss or nutrient loss in the case of forage crops. For crops that have been sold, grading must have been completed within 30 days of harvest, and for forage crops, a laboratory analysis must have been completed within 30 days of harvest.

NAP-Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program helps you manage risk through coverage for both crop losses and crop planting that was prevented due to natural disasters. The eligible or “noninsured” crops include agricultural commodities not covered by federal crop insurance.   You must be enrolled in the program and have purchased coverage for the eligible crop in the crop year in which the loss incurred to receive program benefits following a qualifying natural disaster.

NAP Buy-Up

Coverage Option

NAP offers higher levels of coverage, from 50 to 65 percent of expected production in 5 percent increments, at 100 percent of the average market price. Buy-up levels of NAP coverage are available if the producer can show at least one year of previously successfully growing the crop for which coverage is being requested.

Producers of organics and crops marketed directly to consumers also may exercise the “buy-up” option to obtain NAP coverage of 100 percent of the average market price at the coverage levels of between 50 and 65 percent of expected production.

NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production.

Buy-up coverage is not available for crops intended for grazing.

NAP Service Fees

For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties. 

NAP Enhancements for

Qualified Military Veterans

Qualified veteran farmers or ranchers are eligible for a service fee waiver and premium reduction, if the NAP applicant meets certain eligibility criteria.Beginning, limited resource and targeted underserved farmers or ranchers remain eligible for a waiver of NAP service fees and premium reduction when they file form CCC-860, “Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource and Beginning Farmer or Rancher Certification.”

For NAP application, eligibility and related program information, contact the Edmunds County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.

Applying for

FSA Direct Loans

FSA offers direct farm ownership and direct farm operating loans to producers who want to establish, maintain, or strengthen their farm or ranch. Direct loans are processed, approved and serviced by FSA loan officers.

Direct farm operating loans can be used to purchase livestock and feed, farm equipment, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other costs including family living expenses. Operating loans can also be used to finance minor improvements or repairs to buildings and to refinance some farm-related debts, excluding real estate.

Direct farm ownership loans can be used to purchase farmland, enlarge an existing farm, construct and repair buildings, and to make farm improvements.

The maximum loan amount for direct farm ownership loans is $600,000 and the maximum loan amount for direct operating loans is $400,000 and a down payment is not required. Repayment terms vary depending on the type of loan, collateral and the producer's ability to repay the loan. Operating loans are normally repaid within seven years and farm ownership loans are not to exceed 40 years.

Contact your local FSA office for more information or to apply for a direct farm ownership or operating loan.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.