Iowa Producers Urged to File Crop Acreage Reports

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding Iowa farmers to file their crop acreage reports following the completion of spring planting. These reports are essential for participating in many USDA programs and must be submitted by the applicable deadlines.

“In order to receive many USDA program benefits, producers should file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said Karen Rawson, Acting State Executive Director for Iowa’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Call your local FSA office to make an appointment after planting is complete to report your acreage and take care of any other FSA-related business.”

Key Acreage Reporting Deadlines in Iowa:

• July 15, 2025 – All crops, including perennial forages
• December 16, 2025 – Fall-seeded small grains

To file a report, producers must provide details such as crop type and variety, use, acreage, planting dates, crop boundaries (map), irrigation practices, producer shares, and any prevented planting acreage.

Exceptions to Deadlines:

• If the crop hasn’t been planted by the deadline, report within 15 days of planting.
• If land is acquired after the deadline, report within 30 days, with documentation.

Prevented Planted Acreage:

Farmers must report crops that couldn’t be planted due to natural disasters like drought using Form CCC-576 within 15 days after the final planting date as set by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). 

NAP Policy Holders:

For Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) crops, report by the earlier of the standard deadline or 15 days before grazing/harvest begins.

Helpful Tools and Resources:

The farmers.gov portal allows producers to access maps, view boundaries, and manage their FSA farm records online. A login.gov account linked to a USDA customer record is required.

Producers can submit geospatial acreage reports using precision agriculture data through an approved insurance or third-party provider, who will share the report with FSA. Farmers should notify their FSA office if they wish to use these electronic submissions.

Timely and accurate reporting ensures continued access to key USDA assistance programs. Iowa farmers are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to schedule appointments before deadlines arrive.

Photo Credit: usda