Although the new Farm Bill was enacted several months ago, changes are still being made to some programs.

The latest change will affect about 35 percent of farms with an acreage base. Until recently, farms with less than 10 base acres were ineligible for Direct Payment Program benefits. Base acres are the average planted acreage that was reported to FSA over a period of years.

Base acreage in many cases is not current with what crops are being produced now on the farm. One thing the new Farm Bill did not do was to permit producers to update their base acres. As a result, there are many farms with less than 10 base acres that were categorically ineligible until recently.

Producers who own or operate farms with less than 10 base acres will have until Nov. 26 to enroll in the Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment program. All producers of record will be notified by FSA if they have an eligible farm for the Nov. 26 deadline.

It is surprising how promptly this change took place since DCP enrollment began only a few months ago, but it was clear from the start that producers were upset by the 10 acre provision — apparently enough that Congress made the change, but only for 2008. The Farm Bill runs through 2012. It remains to be seen if this change will become permanent like all other programs through 2012.

Ag Humor

Keith, a cocky state highway employee, stopped at a farm and talked with Todd, an old farmer. Keith told Todd, "I need to inspect your farm for a possible new road."

Todd said, "OK, but don't go in that field."

Keith said, "I have the authority of the state government to go where I want. See this card? I am allowed to go wherever I wish on farmland."

So Todd went about his farm chores.

Later, he heard loud screams and saw Keith, the highway employee, running for the fence, followed closely by the farmer's prize bull.

Todd the farmer called out, "Show him your card!"

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