The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service is in the process of conducting two major midyear surveys in Minnesota — the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey.

The agency will contact nearly 4,500 producers across the state 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, director of the NASS Minnesota Field Office. “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 2018 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 the producer.

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

For the June Area Survey, trained enumerators from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture representing NASS 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 rents, 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 says. “We recognize this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers. However, the information they provide 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 29.

Survey data also contribute to NASS’ 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: NASS Minnesota Field Office