Farm Bill seminars scheduled in area

<p class="p1">The Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill, eliminates direct payments and gives farmers and landowners the one-time option to reallocate base acreage and update payment yields.  </p><p class="p1">Because these important decisions, along with many others contained in the Farm Bill, cannot be reversed until the five-year bill expires in 2018, Country Financial is sponsoring more than 60 seminars around Illinois to help farmers and landowners understand the implications of the bill.</p><p class="p1">Local Country Financial representative Josh Wagner plans to present two informational seminars in the area.</p><p class="p1">A free seminar is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Shawnee Community College near Ullin.</p><p class="p1">The other seminar is scheduled at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Massac County Farm Bureau office. The office is located at 1436 W. 10th St. in Metropolis.</p><p class="p1">“It’s important for farmers to understand how the decisions they make today will affect their coverage and protection for the next five years,” Wagner said in a news release. </p><p class="p1">“They need to understand the different coverages available and how each could affect their bottom line.”</p><p class="p1"> Seminar participants will learn about program choices administered by the Farm Service Agency, FSA,  including Agricultural Risk Coverage, which replaces the Counter Cyclical Program, and Price Loss Coverage, which replaces the ACRE program.</p><p class="p1"> In addition to the Farm Bill, participants will learn about 2015 changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program and best practices for handling claims.</p><p class="p1">A complimentary meal will be served to those who attend the seminars. Raffle door prizes will be awarded.</p><p class="p1">For more information, contact Wagner by phone at 618-658-2881 or visit www.countrycrop.com. </p>