Producers have been reporting planted acreage to the Farm Service Agency, and nearly all are concerned about getting dry hay harvested.

So far, June has provided very few opportunities to harvest dry hay. In fact, most that was mowed for dry hay harvest probably got wet from rain on at least one occasion. Although hay harvest might be a little later than normal this year, good hay weather will arrive at some point hopefully.

When hay harvest does begin, the yield is expected to be above normal. This could cause some producers to consider building additional storage.

The FSA offers loans to construct hay storage structures as part of the grain bin, silo and fruit cold storage facility loan program. Hay, biomass and fruit cold storage were recently determined eligible components to the facility loan program. Grain bins, silos, dryers and related permanent equipment have and will continue to be eligible components.

Producers who are considering a hay storage structure will need to obtain a quote on the proposed structure and notify the FSA how much existing hay storage is available on the farm at the time the application is filed. All structures must have at least a 15-year life span. Most "cover-all" type structures are eligible.

Producers also will need to decide the extent of excavation, electrical or concrete work that will be needed. All costs can then be computed to the loan amount.

For loans approved in June, the following terms apply:

• 3.0 percent interest rate

• Seven-year term

• Annual or monthly repayment

• 15 percent minimum down payment

• Crop insurance

• All-peril structural insurance

• $100 application fee

Contact the FSA office for more information on the program.

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