Farm owners and operators are being reminded that Feb. 27 is the final day to complete yield update or acreage base reallocation. This is only for farms that plan on enrolling into either Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs which were part of the Farm Bill.

The following information is being mailed to all owners and operators from FSA’s Kansas City office.

Feb. 27 is the last day for a landowner to update farm yield history and/or reallocate crop base acres.

March 31 is the last day for a producer to make one-time election of ARC or PLC for 2014-18 crop years.

If you miss the Feb. 27 deadline, the farm’s current countercyclical yield and base acres will be used for ARC-PLC.

If you miss the March 31 deadline, the farm is not eligible for 2014 crop year ARC or PLC payments. The only option is for the farm to be enrolled in PLC for the 2015-18 crop years.

Decision revisions can be made up until the appropriate deadline.

Butler, Beaver and Allegheny County producers may contact the Butler Farm Service Agency now to make an appointment at 724-482-4800, Ext. 2, or 724-775-2369, Ext. 2.

For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Market Assistance Loans

Producers may want to take advantage of the Marketing Assistance Loan Program; these are 9-month loans that provide capital to an operation at a very low interest rate currently at 1.25 percent.

Corn and soybeans stored on the farm is the collateral. Grain under loan can be fed or sold. High moisture corn is eligible; however, corn silage is not.

Contact the office for more information.

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