USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding farmers and ranchers seeking federal crop insurance they must have a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, commonly called form AD-1026, on file with their local USDA service center by June 1.
Many farmers already have their forms on file since they are required for participation in other USDA programs, including NRCS conservation programs. But others, like specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium subsidies and do not participate in other USDA programs, must now file a certification form with USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Farmers who file the necessary form by June 1 will be eligible for federal crop insurance premium subsidies during the 2016 reinsurance year, which begins July 1. The June 1 deadline does not apply to farmers seeking benefits from FSA and NRCS programs.
Additional information about conservation compliance is available at nrcs.usda.gov/compliance, including a Five Steps to Meet Conservation Compliance guide and answers to frequently asked questions.