It is hard to believe that only a few weeks ago we had a significant snowfall. The recent warm, dry stretch of weather is the best we have seen for years. Normally we are accustomed to excessive moisture during April. This April, while not over yet, may rank as one of the best ever for temperature and limited precipitation.

Most farmers are taking advantage of the favorable conditions to finish hauling manure and complete spring plowing. Planting is ahead of schedule for some producers. Crops such as sweet corn, field corn, oats, alfalfa and spring barley are just a few of the crops being planted. Another advantage of the dry field conditions is that fertilizer and lime applications can be completed without getting stuck or tearing up the fields.

One thing is certain, there is a lot to do this time of year on any farm regardless of the type of operation. Farmers that normally participate in FSA programs will need to keep some program deadlines in mind such as June 1 for the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program. Essentially all farms with an acreage base could be eligible. Even though June 1 seems so far away, it will be here before we know it; and preseason planning is a good way to avoid being overwhelmed by spring work and insure that important deadlines aren't forgotten.

The current Farm Bill provides payments to eligible participants for covered commodities if producers should choose to enroll in the DCP program. Participating in DCP requires producers to apply annually. Therefore, calling the county office staff for an appointment before the hustle and bustle of spring begins is a good way to prepare for the coming crop year.

DCP has both direct payment and counter-cyclical payment components. While strong market prices for commodities may eliminate the counter-cyclical payments, the direct payments are fixed. Producers wanting to receive the direct DCP payments authorized for 2005 must sign up at the county office before the June 1 deadline. Some growers may have already signed up last fall when this year's signup began - on Oct. 1. For those who have not yet enrolled in this year's program, there is still time to make an appointment.

June 15 is the last day to timely report planted acreage of wheat, barley, and oats. Starting this year, we will be requiring the planting dates along with the acreage planted. All program participants are required to file acreage reports for all land operated even though all farms may not be participating in a program.Producers may call the office to schedule an appointment or request aerial photocopies of their farms be mailed to them to report acres.The important thing to remember is that acreage reporting is the farmer's responsibility. Failure to file a timely report will result in a late file acreage report fee, applicable on a farm by farm basis. With that being said, if it becomes apparent that you will be unable to visit the office to timely report, please call the office prior to the deadline to let us know.Crop and acreage reporting is necessary for many programs and it's a good way to maintain history. Certified acreage reports are tools used by county office staffs to determine compliance with certain farm programs and, perhaps, the eligibility level in future programs. Throughout farm program history, complied acreage data has been used to develop new and better farm programs while providing farmers with valuable statistical data.