USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is surveying farm operators to update information on production practices, resource use and economic well-being of U.S. farms and farm households. Selected operators received forms in the mail for the survey, called Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) at the end of December. Farmers who received the survey are now being reminded to fill it out and return it to USDA.

In 2015, the Farm Production Expenditures report showed that Iowa farmers had average expenses of $317,143 with total expenditures for all Iowa farmers at $27.8 billion

“ARMS is our primary tool for gauging the financial condition and production practices on U.S. farms and ranches,” says Greg Thessen, director of the NASS Upper Midwest regional office in Des Moines. “This survey gives farmers a voice in policymaking by providing an opportunity to set the record straight about important issues that directly impact the agricultural community. It ensures policies and programs are based on accurate, real-world data that comes directly from the producers.”

Total of 1,700 Iowa farmers surveyed
NASS conducts ARMS jointly with USDA’s Economic Research Service. In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, these agencies will reach out to nearly 37,000 producers nationwide, including 1,700 in Iowa, between January and March.

“This survey is lengthy, and we realize some producers may have questions or need clarification,” says Thessen. “In February, our interviewers will begin contacting farmers who have not yet responded, to answer any questions they may have and help them complete their report.”

Important to respond to survey
“Decision-makers from all facets of U.S. agriculture will use the collective information from ARMS to answer questions and make important decisions concerning the economic viability of American agriculture, the rural economy and other emerging issues,” said Thessen, “That’s why it is imperative for all farmers contacted by NASS to provide responses and help shape the future of U.S. agriculture. By participating in this survey, Iowa farmers directly impact the decisions that affect them, their families and their operations.”

In addition to accurate data, NASS is strongly committed to confidentiality, says Thessen. Information provided by survey respondents is confidential by law. The agency safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring no individual respondent or operation can be identified. NASS will publish the economic data gathered in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on Aug. 3. All NASS reports are available at nass.usda.gov.