DES MOINES — John R. Whitaker, state executive director for USDA’s Iowa Farm Service Agency is reminding producers of the importance of new reporting requirements for all fall seeded cover crops as well as forage crops.

Producers of perennial forage crops (grass, hay, alfalfa and pasture) must submit a 2013 acreage report for those crops by Dec. 15, as well as all fall seeded wheat and other fall seeded small grains. Late-filed fees will not be assessed if reported by June 30, 2013. This also is the same date for these crops to be reported to your crop insurance agent when carrying federal crop insurance.

FSA often receives requests for information about how farmers and ranchers protect the soil and water resources of our nation.