BULLETIN NO.:   MGR-96-026

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 Crop Year 1996 Canola Final Planting Date 
          for Minnesota


BACKGROUND:

MGR-96-023 documented abnormally cool and wet climatic conditions in the 
upper Midwest which have resulted in poor planting conditions indicating that 
excessive moisture will be a major concern in the same areas that were 
severely  affected 1995.  In response to those conditions, the North Dakota 
canola final planting date was extended from May 15, to May 25, 1996.

Conditions have persisted and Minnesota canola producers will not be able to 
complete planting by the Minnesota canola final planting date of May 20, 1996.  
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) has received recommendations 
from the insurance industry, grower associations and Extension Service 
personnel to extend the 1996 canola final planting date in the Minnesota 
counties offering the canola pilot program.  Such extension would give those
producers more time to complete their planting.

ACTION:

To respond to producers who have been affected by abnormally cool, wet 
conditions, the FCIC is extending the final planting date for crop year 1996 
canola in Kittson and Roseau counties in Minnesota to May 31, 1996.