The USDA will soon begin conducting the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) in order to gather data from corn producers on their production practices.

"ARMS serves as the primary source of information on the use of crop protection chemicals, ensuring that the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators use real-world data when making decision about the future availability of these products," said Bob Garino, Missouri State Statistician. "The survey results help agricultural leaders and decision-makers better understand how producers cope with risk, adapt to policy changes, and make decisions about chemical use, new technologies and many other aspects of farming."

GATHER DATA: Data will be collected from 200 corn producers between today and Dec. 5. NASS representatives will be conducting in-person interviews with producers to gather data on their chemical use, pest management, and other practices used for corn production

In Missouri, data will be collected from 200 corn producers. Between today and Dec. 5, NASS representatives will be conducting in-person interviews with producers to gather data on their chemical use, pest management, and other practices used for corn production.

The data collected for ARMS aids farmers in many ways. The results will document the use of crop protection chemicals so that decisions about the availability of products will be based on facts. Survey results will also tabulate other pest management practices such as tillage techniques, field scouting, and ground covers.

As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes data only in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual operation or grower can be identified.

The results of the ARMS will be released on NASS's website on May 13, 2015. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, visit www.nass.usda.gov.

Source: USDA-ARMS