USDA to Conduct County Agricultural Production Survey
Barbara Crimond | Nov 11, 2016 | Comments 0
LAKEWOOD, CO – Growers of row crops and hay around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). NASS conducts the County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS) once a year in two segments: The first segment collects data from small grain producers beginning in July. The second segment collects data from row crop producers beginning in November.
The results of the CAPS survey provide the data needed to estimate acreage and production of selected crops at the county level for state and federal programs. USDA agencies use the information to evaluate and administer vital farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, insurance and loan programs. USDA’s Risk Management Agency uses the data to administer the Federal Crop Insurance Program. USDA’s Farm Service Agency uses the estimates to administer disaster assistance programs.
“The crop industry is a big player in agriculture across our region and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this key sector of the economy,” said NASS Mountain Region Director Bill Meyer. “We will contact approximately 10,000 producers in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.”
NASS will contact survey participants to gather information on their 2016 production of grains and oilseeds and hay. As an alternative to mailing the survey back and to help save both time and money, growers will have the option to respond to the survey securely online. Farmers who have not responded may receive a phone call from a NASS representative who will help them fill out the survey form.
As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.
Survey results will be published in several reports released mid-December for small grains and mid-February for row crops. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Mountain Regional Field Office at (800) 392-3202.
Filed Under: Agriculture • Consumer Issues • County • Economy • Featured • Media Release
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