What's Up at the FSA Office?
by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director (563) 568-2148
Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
November 11: Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
December 6: Market Facilitation Program
December 11: ARC/PLC Decision Meeting
December 13: Dairy Margin Coverage Program for 2020
Farmers, Landowners and Ag Professionals Offered Guidance on Farm Bill Decisions
ISU Extension and Outreach meeting in Northeast Iowa will address enrollment and election decisions for 2018 Farm Bill programs
Upcoming Iowa State University Extension and Outreach meetings will provide guidance for Iowa farmland owners and operators reviewing options under the 2018 Farm Bill. Farmland owners and operators have the opportunity to make new decisions on enrollment and election in the USDA Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.
ISU Extension and Outreach will host educational “2020 Farm Bill Decisions” programs at multiple locations throughout Northeast Iowa to discuss important considerations for Iowa farmland owners and operators. The meetings are approximately 2-1/2 hours in length.
“There are important decisions coming up this winter for both landowners and producers on Iowa farms,” said Melissa O’Rourke, Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Our goal is to assist as many farmers as possible. Our farm management specialists have scheduled more than 50 informational meetings across Iowa.”
Landowners – especially those who cash rent to farm producers – are encouraged to attend and learn more, as landowners will need to provide a release for PLC Yields to be updated by producers using 2013 thru 2017 crop production evidence.
Local USDA Farm Service Agency professionals, who administer the programs, will be present to discuss 2018 Farm Bill regulations and rules. ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialists will provide information on the current financial picture for Iowa agriculture, upcoming decision points and online resources to help farm owners and operators in the decision-making process. ISU Extension and Outreach Family Life Specialists will join the program to promote healthy strategies for recognizing and coping with the ever-present stress that accompanies the cyclical nature of agriculture.
There is no registration fee to attend, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to allow planning for materials and seating. Pre-register by calling the local ISUEO County Extension office hosting the meeting. Visit the Ag Decision Maker Farm Bill website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html, or your county Extension office for a list of meeting times and locations. More localized sites are listed below.
Winneshiek & Allamakee County
Wednesday, December 11, 1 p.m., Danan Lansing Building, Winneshiek County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Main St., Decorah 563-382-2949
Clayton County
Wednesday, November 13, 6 p.m., Keystone AEA, 1400 2nd St. NW, Elkader 563-245-1451
Fayette County
Wednesday, December 18, 1 p.m., Opera House, Corner of Main & Clark, Fayette 563-425-3331
Howard County
Tuesday, December 17, 9 a.m., Fairgrounds, Featherlite Center, 220 7th St. W, Cresco 563-547-3001
