Richardson County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Shawna Mitchell, reminds producers that June 1, 2012, is an important program deadline, as it is the final date to apply for Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program payments (SURE), and enroll in the 2012 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE).

"It is crucial that producers meet the deadline for these programs in order to receive disaster and income support," said Mitchell. “These programs form part of the critical safety net that helps farmers and ranchers manage the risk they face every day” she said.

While SURE helps after natural disasters strike, DCP and ACRE provide additional income support. Eligible DCP participants receive a direct payment and may also earn counter-cyclical payments when declines in price occur. Direct payment rates are established by statute and issued regardless of market prices. Counter-cyclical payments vary depending on market prices and are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is below its target price. FSA reminds producers that the 2008 Farm Bill does not authorize advance direct payments for 2012.

ACRE protects producers from farm market revenue declines when revenue triggers are met for a commodity at both the state and farm level. All owners and operators who will share in the

DCP and ACRE payments on the farm must sign up by June 1. Any changes to the farming operation or producers with a risk in the production of crops must be reported, and the contract revised, if necessary.

"ACRE elections and enrollment must be completed by the June 1 deadline as late file provisions are not available for ACRE," said Mitchell. "If elected in a previous year, producers must enroll for 2012 by June 1 to receive payment," she said.

The SURE program compensates producers for production and/or quality losses during times of disaster. All producers who have experienced crop production and/or crop quality losses during the 2010 crop year must apply for SURE program benefits by the June 1 deadline. Eligibility requirements differ between producers located in counties designated as a primary or contiguous disaster county by the Secretary of Agriculture and between producers located in non-disaster counties. In addition to other eligibility requirements, producers must have purchased crop insurance through the Federal Crop Insurance Act or the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

For questions regarding SURE, DCP or ACRE sign-up, please contact the Richardson County FSA office at 402-245-2401.