As NASDA’s NASS Program Director, I launched a new initiative in the summer 2009 to meet NASS State Field Office staff, NASDA Supervisors and Enumerators across the country. This “Changing Hats” tour gives me an opportunity not only to meet people—but to hear their thoughts, concerns and ideas about how we can better work together and strengthen the NASS-NASDA partnership.
One of the best ways for me to learn more about the numerous NASS surveys, programs and field activities is to see firsthand how NASDA supervisors, field and office enumerators do their jobs–rather than just reading or hearing about it from sitting behind a desk. As much as possible during my visits, I spend part or all of a workday “changing hats” with enumerators–by rolling up my sleeves and working alongside NASDA employees.
The first “changing hats” visits were with the Oregon, Washington and California Field Offices in the summer of 2009. During these visits, I worked on several Objective Yield Surveys for hazelnuts, oranges, and walnuts, collected field samples. I have also made telephone survey calls in Pennsylvania and Virginia, assisted with activities in the Illinois corn/soybean laboratory, and conducted June Area Survey work in Florida and Alabama.
You can follow my activities through my blog/journal by clicking on the links below, which include photos and other information. NASDA enumerators play a vital role in American agriculture and NASDA greatly appreciates their hard work. The “changing hats” experience is not only be an exciting learning opportunity, but has also given me more insight and understanding of the day-to-day jobs of supervisors and enumerators–which will help me better represent all of them in the NASS-NASDA Cooperative Program.
I welcome your suggestions and ideas. If you have events, workshops, surveys or other field activities that you would like me to participate in, please contact me by email at: charlie@nasda.org or by phone at: (202) 296-9680.