USDA DCP program enrollment continues

Warren County producers of commodity crops (wheat, corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum) have an opportunity to enroll in USDA?s Direct-Counter Cyclical Payment (DCP) program.

The DCP program began with the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill and will end Sept. 30, 2007.

Producers who grow corn, soybeans, wheat, or other commodity crops and have established crop acreage bases are qualified for direct program payments on the commodities. In addition, counter cyclical (cc) payments have been issued to producers when the average price of a specific commodity fell below the established market price for the twelve months following harvest. For 2007, producers may elect to receive an advance payment equal to 22 percent of the guaranteed payment of the DCP contract.

?The counter cyclical payments helped to provide a safety net to growers when the market prices were low,? said Vickie Bouldin, chairperson of the Warren County Committee.

?According to the county office staff, there are approximately 370 Direct-Counter Cyclical Program (DCP) contracts in Warren County. Of the 370, there are about 100 producers/landowners who have not enrolled for the 2007 crop year. In addition, about 50 producers/landowners have not obtained all signatures on contracts to be considered enrolled in the farm program,? said Bouldin.

FSA encourages producers to contact the local county office located at 811 Faulkner Springs Road to complete the enrollment process. Bouldin said the county office staff is diligently working to complete the enrollments and avoid any late enrollments.

?I would like to encourage producers and landowners to complete the enrollment process as soon as possible. Contracts may be enrolled until Sept. 30, 2007, but after Aug. 1, a late enrollment fee will be assessed,? she said.