It is that time of year again, when spring has arrived and everyone is busy planting crops, fertilizing, and applying herbicides. It is the time when we all anticipate new growth and expect an abundant harvest.

It is also time to contact the local USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) to make acreage reports for your planted acres, perennial grasses, and grazing acres. May 1 is the final reporting date for all planted acres of small grains such as wheat, oats, rye, triticale, or mixtures of these whether they are intended for harvest, grazing, or hay. June 15 is the final reporting date for all other crops and land uses including Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. Many FSA program benefits rely on your report of acreage.

And be reminded, enrollment under the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) is underway. Sign up ends June 1.

Planning ahead and planning early benefits all of us. Call to schedule an appointment to report your crop, forage, and grazing acres or to enroll in the 2012 DCP program. You can contact the Karnes County FSA Office at 830-583-3224 to schedule an appointment or if you need additional information.