BULLETIN NO.: MGR-96-023

TO:       All Reinsured Companies
          All Risk Management Field Offices
          FSA Headquarters, Program Delivery and Field Operations
          
FROM:     Kenneth D. Ackerman
          Deputy Administrator

SUBJECT:  Extension of 1996 Crop Year Canola Final Planting Date

BACKGROUND:

Abnormally cool and wet climatic conditions in the upper Midwest have resulted 
in poor planting conditions.  At this time, weather and cropland conditions 
indicate that excessive moisture will be a major concern in the same areas 
that were severely affected in 1995.  Canola producers in northeastern North 
Dakota have been particularly affected and may not be able to plant their 
crop by the current final planting date of May 15, 1996.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) has received numerous requests 
and recommendations from the insurance industry, grower associations and 
Extension Service personnel to extend the 1996 canola final planting date 
which would give canola producers more time to complete their planting.

ACTION:

To respond to producers who have been affected by abnormally cool, wet 
conditions, the FCIC will extend the final planting date for crop year 1996 
canola in North Dakota to May 25, 1996.