As we enter the month of May, local farmers are greeted with favorable planting conditions.

Reports from the Midwest, where planting began three weeks ago indicate nationwide planting progress is normal to slightly ahead for this time of year.

Although farm schedules are very busy this time of year, some farmers have yet to enroll in the 2006 Direct & Counter-cyclical program (DCP). Essentially, DCP provides a direct payment to eligible farms that participate in the annual program. Complete planting flexibility is permitted with the exception of fruits and vegetables. DCP is available on farms with a program crop acreage base history.

The deadline for enrollment is June 1. After the deadline farms can still be enrolled, but a $100 fee will apply to all late- filed contracts. If producers are unsure if they enrolled yet, call the office and inquire.

An advance payment of 40 percent of the final rate can be requested at sign-up. Acreage reports and conservation compliance certification is required by participants.

Milk money

Dairy producers participating in the Milk Income Loss Contract Extension program will be receiving benefits for months in which production evidence was provided to FSA.

May 17 is the deadline to apply for the payment of previous months. After May 17, producers can only qualify for future months milk payments.

So far, we know these rates have been established as payment rates for the program:

December $0.0408000

January $0.1054000

February $0.1054000

March $0.4080000

April $0.8398000

May $0.9248000

As a reminder to dairy operations that are enrolled — it is your responsibility to provide your production evidence to FSA.

FSA does not receive production evidence directly from the dairies.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.