There is no deadline for applying. The sticky point is whether or not you hope to sell this year’s harvest as organic. There’s often a lapse of anywhere from a few weeks to a few months between when you apply and when the certifier can send out an inspector. NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) would prefer to have an inspector visit before the hay is harvested. Other certifiers may have a different take. You should contact different certifiers to find out how they handle the issue. A list of USDA-approved organic certifiers is available here.
