2004 CROP MARKETING LOAN and LDP REMINDERS

Producers are reminded of the availability of Crop Marketing Loans and Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) benefits that can help when market prices fall below crop loan rates. The following are some changes or reminders about these benefits:

File Form CCC-709 Before Harvest: Producers who share in the risk of producing and marketing a commodity may be eligible for LDP's and/or marketing loans. If you deliver your grain for sale or immediately feed your crop directly from the field at harvest, you need to file form CCC-709 prior to harvest to protect your LDP. The 709 allows producers to submit grain settlement statements to claim the LDP. Form CCC-709 does not protect the LDP for grain delivered to the elevator after the harvest. Form CCC-633 LDP must be filed for post-harvest season bushels that are stored on the farm and before they are delivered for sale or fed. Delayed Price (DP) is considered the same as being sold for LDP purposes.

Deadlines to apply for 2004 Crop Loans & LDP's: 2004 Crop Wheat, Barley and Oats Loans and LDP's are available through March 31, 2005 and 2004-Crop Corn and Soybean Loans and LDP's are available through May 31, 2005.

2004 Crop Loan Rates (Fairfield County): FSA Loan rates for loans made on 2004-year crops stored in Fairfield County are as follows (per bushel):
Corn, $2.01;
Soybeans, $5.12;
Wheat, $2.53;
Barley, $1.63;
Oats, $1.36.

LDP's For Commodities Harvested As Other Than Grain (silage, hay, etc.): Commodities harvested as other than grain are eligible for LDP's until beneficial interest is lost (Sold or Fed). This includes commodities harvested as silage, haylage, cracked, crimped, rolled, high moisture, ensilage, green chopped and hay. Contact this office prior to feeding or sale to find out the details.

New Form Required to Authorize Faxing LDP's And Other Forms. With the coming of electronic or e filing, FSA is now required to have producers complete form FSA-237 "Facsimile Signature Authorization and Verification" to accept any FAXED applications (including LDP's). This form must be signed by the producer and witnessed by an FSA employee.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FAIRFIELD COUNTY FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)
831 College Avenue, Suite A
Lancaster, Ohio 43130-1081
Phone: (740) 653-4012
FAX: (740) 653-4561