2012 Federal farm program sign-up starts January 23

The 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Election Program (ACRE) enrollment begins January 23, according to Farm Service Agency Acting County Executive Director Debbie Sweet. DCP and ACRE are Federal farm programs which provide payments to producers of eligible crops in order to provide a financial farm safety net.

ACRE provides revenue protection against low market prices or low state and farm yields. Like DCP, a farm must have base acres of a covered commodity in order to be enrolled in ACRE. Eligible commodities include grain and feedstock crops.

Annual contracts are required to be signed to receive program benefits. All signatures of producers receiving a share in DCP and ACRE payments are required by June 1. Interested producers are encouraged to begin the application process early to ensure completion before the deadline. The program variables are complex and several factors affect payment calculations.

Numerous resources are available to help producers make informed decisions on program eligibility. FSA county office staff can answer questions on program rules, application procedures and possible benefits. DCP/ACRE information is also available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dep. For additional information, please contact the Lincoln County FSA Office at 509-725-4501.