USDA-NASS BEGINS JUNE AGRICULTURAL SURVEY

News Date June 02, 2009

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has begun to conduct its annual June Agricultural Survey (also known as the Crops/Stocks Survey). This is one of the largest and most important surveys conducted by NASS and provides the first clear indication of the production and supply of major crops in 2009.

The June Agricultural Survey is conducted annually in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. NASS will collect data from approximately 73,000 farms, which are selected from among the Nation’s 2.2 million farms. The information collected about specific commodities varies somewhat from state to state. But all participating producers will be asked to provide information on their total acres, acres planted to specific commodities, and quantities of grains and oilseeds stored on-farm. All information reported is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with other government agencies or any public or private organization.

Once results of the survey are compiled and analyzed. NASS will publish the information in a series of reports. These include the annual "Acreage" report and the quarterly "Grain Stocks" report, both to be released on June 30, 2009. Survey data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual "Crop Production" reports, as well as the annual "Small Grains Summary," to be published September 30.

All sectors of the agricultural industry rely on NASS acreage, production and stocks estimates to help make sound business decisions. For example, the annual Acreage report is one of the most anticipated sources of accurate and timely information for buyers when making critical business decisions regarding futures contracts and purchases. The data also levels the playing field for farmers and ranchers, giving them access to the same information as elevators, input suppliers, bankers, and others with whom they do business. In addition, the information assures international customers that the U.S. will continue to be a reliable supplier of major commodities and enables the industry to evaluate export potential.

NASDA and the state departments of agriculture are encouraging farm and ranch operators to participate in the survey. The information provided by survey respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes data only in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

For more information about NASS surveys and reports, go to the NASS website at: www.nass.usda.gov or call the NASS hotline at: (800) 727-9540. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)