[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 7]
[Revised as of January 1, 2008]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR718.108]

[Page 35]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
       CHAPTER VII--FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 718_PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE PROGRAMS--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart B_Determination of Acreage and Compliance
 
Sec. 718.108  Measuring acreage including skip row acreage.

    (a) When one crop is alternating with another crop, whether or not 
both crops have the same growing season, only the acreage that is 
actually planted to the crop being measured will be considered to be 
acreage devoted to the measured crop.
    (b) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph and section, whether 
planted in a skip row pattern or without a pattern of skipped rows, the 
entire acreage of the field or subdivision may be considered as devoted 
to the crop only where the distance between the rows, for all rows, is 
40 inches or less. If there is a skip that creates idle land wider than 
40 inches, or if the distance between any rows is more than 40 inches, 
then the area planted to the crop shall be considered to be that area 
which would represent the smaller of; a 40 inch width between rows, or 
the normal row spacing in the field for all other rows in the field--
those that are not more than 40 inches apart. The allowance for 
individual rows would be made based on the smaller of actual spacing 
between those rows or the normal spacing in the field. For example, if 
the crop is planted in single, wide rows that are 48 inches apart, only 
20 inches to either side of each row (for a total of 40 inches between 
the two rows) could, at a maximum, be considered as devoted as the crop 
and normal spacing in the field would control. Half the normal distance 
between rows will also be allowed beyond the outside planted rows not to 
exceed 20 inches and will reflect normal spacing in the field.
    (c) In making calculations under this section, further reductions 
may be made in the acreage considered planted if it is determined that 
the acreage is more sparsely planted than normal using reasonable and 
customary full production planting techniques.
    (d) The Deputy Administrator has the discretionary authority to 
allow row allowances other than those specified in this section in those 
instances in which crops are normally planted with spacings greater or 
less than 40 inches, such as in case of tobacco, or where other 
circumstances are present which the Deputy Administrator finds justifies 
that allowance.
    (e) Paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section shall apply with 
respect to the 2003 and subsequent crops. For preceding crops, the rules 
in effect on January 1, 2002, shall apply.