NEWS RELEASE

Download word document

Immediate Release:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Nebraska Corn Board contacts:

NE Corn Board: 800.632.6761

Corn producers encouraged to learn more about ACRE program

LINCOLN, NE — The Nebraska Corn Board is encouraging corn producers get the facts on ACRE – the Average Crop Revenue Election program that was included in the latest farm bill.

“The ACRE program was adopted by Congress in the 2008 farm bill and represents fundamental reform in U.S. farm policy,” according to Dave Nielsen, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board’s Government Affairs Committee. “We’re working with the state Farm Service Agency, University Extension and the National Corn Growers Association to make sure growers understand the new program.”

Nielsen, a farmer from the Lincoln area, said it is important for producers to gather as much information as possible before making a final decision on the new risk management tool. There are many websites available, he said, as well as information compiled by Land Grant Universities, including the University of Nebraska. Local and state Farm Service Agencies can help with hands-on data comparisons, and the National Corn Growers Association is supporting a free DTN hour-long webinar on July 1.

Producers can access the free webinar on a computer by going to the NCGA website – www.ncga.com – and clicking on the ACRE icon. Producers can register in advance and then logon by 8 a.m. July 1 to attend.

During the webinar, Ohio State University economist Carl Zulauf will recap the decisions a producer needs to examine when considering the ACRE program. The Farm Service Agency’s top ACRE experts, Brad Karmen and Brent Orr, will also help with the webinar.

“The best way to make an informed decision is to gather the facts first, weigh the options, and then see how the program will affect your specific farming operation.  The National Corn Growers Association has worked hard to help provide corn producers a choice in a risk management program, now they have that choice,” said Bob Dickey, a member of the Nebraska Corn Board and president of the National Corn Growers Association.

According to Dr. Brad Lubben, University of Nebraska Ag Extension economist, “UNL Extension has developed the website farmbill.unl.edu to provide producers a front door to numerous educational materials and tools regarding the new farm program. Producers can find links to spreadsheets and online decision tools to analyze the difficult choice between the new ACRE program and the existing DCP program. Producers can always stop by their local Extension office and meet with their Extension educators to look at further information and possible assistance on farm program analysis.”

Dan Steinkruger, acting state executive director of the Farm Service Agency, said, “Producers are strongly encouraged to consider the ACRE option of the DCP program. This option is an alternative to the method used to calculate counter-cyclical payments. Part of the difference between the two methods is that counter-cyclical payments are based solely on the price while ACRE payments are driven by both price and yield. In addition the safety net provided by the ACRE option is much higher than the target prices for the counter-cyclical option carried forward from the prior DCP program.”

Nielsen noted that all of these resources are available and it is important for producers to take the time to consider and understand the options.

“With a sign up deadline of August 14, it is important to start the process now,” Nielsen said, adding that less than 200 Nebraska farmers have signed up for the ACRE program to date.”

Again, producers are encouraged to register for the free webinar by going to www.ncga.com and clicking on the ACRE icon. Once registered, producers can logon by 8 a.m. July 1 to attend.

-30-