News

USDA’s Actively Engaged in Farming recording deadline extended to July 1

The USDA has extended the deadline to July 1 to record who in a farm organization structure is actively engaged in farming.  Farming operations have until than to complete restructuring or to finalize operational changes.  The agency issued the extension in response to producers requesting more time to comply, although U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says most have already done so.

The final rule on determining who is actively engaged in a farming operation says that only one farm manager can receive federal farm program payments.  However, what the agency refers to as large and complex operations can request up to two additional qualifying managers.

The rule does not apply to farming operations comprised entirely of family members.  Regulations still stand related to contributions of land, capital, equipment or labor, as well as to landowners with a risk in the crop or to spouses. Producers who planted fall crops have until the 2017 crop year to comply.  Farm Service Agency payments are generally limited annually to $125,000 per individual or entity.