Sens. Klobuchar, Smith Urge Minnesota Producers Impacted by Flooding to Take Advantage of Crop Reporting Deadline Extension

WASHINGTON, July 11 -- Sen. Tina Flint Smith, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:

Today, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) are urging Minnesota farmers hit by flooding to report spring-seeded crops by the extended deadline of July 22.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently extended the deadline for states impacted by recent flooding and heavy moisture.

"Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we must do everything we can to help them during severe weather challenges like those they've experienced this spring," Klobuchar said. "Extending the deadline to report crop acreage offers farmers more flexibility on delayed plantings and other fieldwork while ensuring they still qualify for critical USDA programs. I encourage farmers impacted by wet conditions to talk to their local FSA office or crop insurance agent by July 22."

"This has been a tough few years for farmers, and we need to make sure we are doing our part to give them the resources they need," Smith said. "I'm pleased to see the USDA extending its deadlines for crucial programs and I encourage all Minnesotan farmers to take advantage of the new filing deadlines."

Filing a timely crop acreage report is important for maintaining eligibility for USDA conservation, disaster assistance, safety net, crop insurance and farm loan programs. A crop acreage report documents all crops and their intended uses and is an important part of record-keeping for farms and ranches.