The crop reporting deadline for perennial forages, haying and grazing acres has been changed.

Originally, producers in Jessamine, Fayette and Scott counties had until July 15, 2017 to report perennial forages. That date has been moved back nine months.

Producers now have until November 15, 2016 to report haying and grazing acres for crop year 2017. 

The change in reporting dates could have a major impact on producers who receive benefits from the USDA Farm Service Agency. 

A full crop report is one part of becoming eligible for payments with programs offered by the agency.

County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency Jennifer Hundall said her fear is that many producers will not be aware of these crop reporting changes. Should a producer miss this new crop reporting deadline, they will be charged a late-file fee of $46.00.

“I just want to keep producers eligible,” Hundall said. 

All perennial forage for 2017, including all hay and grazing acres, alfalfa, clover, grass and mixed forage need to be reported by Nov. 15, 2016. Fall seeded grams such as barley, oats, rye and wheat should be reported by Dec. 15, 2016. Honey should be reported by January 2, 2017, peaches and canola are due January 15, 2017. The deadlines for nursery crops is May 31, 2017. All other crops including tobacco, corn and soybeans have a deadline of July 15, 2017. 

There are some exceptions. If the crop has not been planted by the appropriate acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the USDA Farm Service Agency. 

If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of cover only, green manure, left standing or seed, then the acreage must be reported by July 15th, 2017.