What is a 156 Form?

Top 50 Questions about Farmland

The 156 Form is a vital document for farmland owners, often referred to as the "pedigree" of your farm. It provides detailed information about your farm’s characteristics, usage, and participation in government programs.

What Information is on a 156 Form?

1. Acreage Details:

   • Total acres.
   • Crop acres.
   • Tillable acres as recognized by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

2. Government Programs:

   • Current enrollment in ARC (Agricultural Risk Coverage) or PLC (Price Loss Coverage).
   • Historical participation in government programs like DCP (Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program).

3. Yield Information:

   • PLC Yield: The benchmark yield used for program payments.

4. Environmental Details:

   • Wetland Designations: Identifies areas with potential wetland restrictions.

5. Mapping:

   • Often includes an FSA map showing field boundaries and usage.

Why is the 156 Form Important?

• It serves as a resume for your farm, detailing its productivity and compliance with government programs.
• Buyers, brokers, and lenders often use it to evaluate the farm’s potential.
• It helps sellers accurately market their farmland with comprehensive data.

Key Takeaways

1. The 156 Form summarizes acres, yields, and government program participation for your farm.
2. It includes critical details like wetland designations and crop history.
3. The form is essential for marketing your farm and ensuring transparency in transactions.

Need help accessing or interpreting your 156 Form? Contact David Whitaker – Iowa Land Guy for expert assistance! David Whitaker | Iowa Land Guy