This spring resulted in favorable planting conditions throughout the region. Most producers completed planting ahead of their normal schedule. While the planting process was ahead, crop growth and emergence is being slowed by the cool temperatures and lack of warm, sunny days.

When you drive through some rural areas, don't be surprised to see some corn 10 to 12 inches tall, but most is between the emergence point and 4 to 6 inches. It will take some warmer weather for some fields to reach the old adage of "foot high by the 4th of July."

June 15 is the last day to timely report planted acreage of wheat, barley and oats. 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 for their farms to be mailed to them. Corn, hay, soybeans, vegetables and all other cropland uses must be reported by July 15.It is important to remember that acreage reporting is the farmer's responsibility. Failure to file a timely report will result in a late fee, applicable on a farm-by-farm basis. With that being said, if it becomes apparent that someone will be unable to visit the office to report on time, then call the office!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, compiled acreage data have been used to develop new and better farm programs while providing farmers with valuable statistical data.Measurement service can be requested by a producer to determine exact acreage for reporting purposes. A paid measurement service effectively guarantees the producer official acreages for the crops on which the service is performed.Trained field personnel at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are beginning to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that utilize satellite information to measure crop acreages. This is one of the ways FSA is offering producers state of the art measurement technology to create a more useful database of information that farmers can use to improve their productivity and efficiency. Producers interested in utilizing GPS measurement should contact the office soon to be placed on the list.

As of Jan. 1, 1999, all payments issued by the county FSA office will be by direct deposit (electronic funds transfer) to a pre-designated checking or savings account with your financial institution. Forms are available at the FSA office to sign up for direct deposit if you haven't yet. For those already signed up, it is important that we are notified anytime there is a change in your account number or financial institution. If we aren't notified, future payments can be delayed or lost for a period of time.