Farmers have a lot on their plates this month with planting right around the corner. One of the things that can easily slip through the cracks are deadlines for USDA programs.
“The ARC/PLC enrollment deadline is March 15,” says Tim Boring, state executive director for Michigan Farm Service Agency. “Even though the likelihood of payout from some of these programs might not be as high as it’s been in years past with the level of grain prices we see today, I would specifically recommend producers it’s important to get enrolled in those programs. Your participation helps us in any other programs that might come down on an ad hoc basis.”
The deadline for the Pandemic Cover Crop Program is also March 15.
“[It] helps supplement some of the cost of crop insurance if you’re using cover crops,” says Boring.
He adds that county offices are well-equipped to talk about how FSA programs can help at a local level.
“Get in, talk to our staff,” he says. “A lot of it starts with a conversation about as a farmer, where are you looking to go with your operation, what do you want to be doing?”
Boring talks about the USDA’s Climate Smart Commodities Program, cover crops and FSA deadlines in our full conversation. That can be found on the March 7, 2022 edition of the Michigan Ag Today Podcast in the player below or on any podcast app.
