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The agency will reach out to 3,600 farmers across the state over the new several weeks.

May 24, 2019

2 Min Read
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ANNUAL SURVEYS: USDA NASS conducts two major mid-year surveys of U.S. farmers to gather information on planted crop acreage and other crop production data.Dave Hansen

During the next several weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct two major mid-year surveys — the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey.

The agency will contact around 3,600 producers across Minnesota to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1.

“Two of the most important and well-known surveys NASS conducts are the June Agricultural Survey and June Area Survey, due to the widespread and significant impact of their results,” says Dan Lofthus, NASS Minnesota state statistician. “When growers respond to these surveys, they provide essential information that helps determine the expected acreage and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2019 crop year. Results of this survey are used by farmers and ranchers, USDA, businesses, exporters, researchers, economists, policymakers and others who use the survey information in making a wide range of decisions that benefit producers.”

Data for the June Agricultural Surveys are gathered by NASS via the Internet, mail, phone or in-person interview.

For the June Area Survey, trained interviewers visit select tracts of land and interview the operators of any farm or ranch within that selected tract. Growers are asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage — including acreage for biotech crops — and grain stocks. Additionally, the survey collects data on livestock inventory, cash rent, land values, and value of sales.

“NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified,” Lofthus added. “We recognize this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers. However, the information provided helps U.S. agriculture remain viable and capable. I urge them to respond to these surveys and thank them for their cooperation.”

NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports, both to be released June 28, 2019.

Survey data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual Crop Production reports; the annual Small Grains Summary; the annual Farms and Land in Farms and Land Values reports; various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Hogs and Pigs; and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

These and all NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/publications.

For more information call the NASS Minnesota Field Office at 651-728-3113.

Source: Minnesota Field Office, USDA NASS, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.
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