Shutdown Ends, FSA Extends Ag Deadlines

The USDA-Farm Service Agency is back at work following the government shutdown.

According to the Nebraska state office, the FSA has been hard at work since returning and extending deadlines for agricultural programs.

The office also stated in an email newsletter this week that the FSA extended deadlines for the Market Facilitation Program, and it included a list of other programs impacted by the government shutdown.

The FSA has extended deadlines on many of its programs because of the government shutdown – and the emergency nature of many of the programs. Feb. 14 is the date for many of the extended deadlines.

Below are updated deadlines applicable in Nebraska:

• Market Facilitation Program – Deadline to apply is extended to Feb. 14.

• Marketing Assistance Loans – If a loan matured in December, the settlement date is extended to Feb. 14.

• Emergency Conservation Program – Performance reporting is due Feb. 14.

• Emergency assistance for the Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program – Notice of loss is due Feb. 14.

• Livestock Indemnity Program – Notice of loss is due Feb. 14.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program – Notice of loss for 72-hour harvest and grazing (as applicable) is due Feb. 14. Notice of loss for prevented planting and failed acres is due Feb. 14.

• Applications for payment for 2018 covered losses is due Feb. 14.

• Tree Assistance Program – Notice of loss is due Feb. 14.

• Acreage Reporting – January reporting deadlines are extended to Feb. 14. In Nebraska for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, this includes honey bees and grapes.

For inquiries related to these programs or questions about other FSA programs, please contact your local FSA office. The Kimball County FSA office can be reached at 308-235-2822, Ext. 2. The Scottsbluff-Banner FSA office can be reached at 308-632-2195, Ext. 2.