Deadline extended for state farmers

Nevada farmers now have until Friday to apply for a portion of the $475 million that was appropriated to assist minor oilseed and soybean farmers hit hard by collapsing prices, according to Karen Denio, State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency.

"The signup period for the 1999 Oilseeds program was scheduled to end March 31," Denio said. "Because of the early spring and dry weather conditions in many areas of the nation with heavy oilseed program participation, many producers in these areas have been doing substantial field work and were unable to meet the March 31 deadline to apply."

Payments are available to all producers who planted any oilseed crop in 1999, including soybeans, sunflowers, flaxseed, canola, rapeseed, safflower seed, mustard and crambe.

Producers who missed applying for payment by the original deadline are encouraged to contact their local FSA office to apply by the extended April 143 deadline.