(Reuters) — Farmers who participated in U.S. crop subsidy programs reported “prevented plantings” for January of 1.608 million acres of corn in 2014, up from 1.606 million acres reported a month ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Thursday.
Farmers reported “prevented plantings” of 0.842 million acres of soybeans versus 0.841 million acres last month, and 1.380 million acres of wheat, little changed from last month, data on USDA’s Farm Service Agency website showed.
“Prevented plantings” include acres that cannot be planted due to factors including poor weather.
As of January, producers enrolled in subsidy programs reported 2014 planted acreage, including failed acres, at 86.505 million of corn, 81.757 million of soybeans and 53.577 million of wheat.
Producers who enrol in several Farm Services Agency programs must submit to USDA an annual report regarding all cropland use on their farms.
USDA uses the information as an element in its crop estimates, which cover all farms, not just those who participate in the farm program.
