Apply for cotton assistance transition program by Oct. 1

Texas cotton farmers are urged to sign up before Oct. 1 for the Cotton Assistance Transition Program (CATP), an interim payment option provided through the 2014 Farm Bill.

CATP will assist cotton farmers until they are eligible for the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX), which will be available in 2015, reports Southwest Farm Press. Payments for 2014 will be based on 2013 cotton base acres for farmers who apply and meet eligibility standards.

Farmers must apply to receive CTAP payments. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (AgriLife) economists estimate payments for the 2014 crop will be slightly more than 5 cents per pound. Payments will be made on or after Oct. 1, 2014.

For more information about CTAP, visit a local FSA office or go online to www.fsa.usda.gov.