Area farmers and ranchers will have a chance to speak directly with Steve Cutler, executive director of the South Dakota Farm Service Agency, at a series of meetings scheduled in western South Dakota.

Cutler will give a synopsis of the Farm Bill, highlighting changes people may not be familiar with including changes in the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE) and new requirements to comply with the Noninsured Crop Disaster Program.

"Producers in 2009 will need to be aware of the new acreage requirements and the choices they need to make," Cutler said.

Cutler added that there are new deadlines for crop insurance that will apply to the 2009 disaster program.

Catch one of Cutler's presentations at:

- 4 p.m., Thursday, July 31, Fairgrounds Tent, Fall River County Fair, Edgemont.

- 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 1, Our Saviors Lutheran Church basement, Hermosa.

- 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, New Underwood Community Center.

- 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, Wall Community Center.