Amy Bailey leads the Crops and Specialty Surveys Section at USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, managing surveys that gather important data on crops across the country. She works closely with NASS Survey Administrators to make sure survey plans are solid and that the right tools reach Regional Offices and NASDA enumerators. In a recent interview, Amy talks about her role, how she tackles challenges in collecting data and her vision for the future of agricultural statistics.
Interview Questions
Q: Tell us about your role as Section Head of the Crops and Specialty Surveys Section at USDA NASS.
A: As Section Head of the Crops and Specialty Surveys Section at USDA NASS, my primary responsibility is to oversee and support the development and execution of various agricultural surveys. These surveys are critical for gathering accurate data on crop production, acreage, and other important commodity-specific metrics. My role involves ensuring that the data collection process is methodically planned, well-coordinated, and executed efficiently.
Q: What actions have you and your team taken to ensure that data collection plans are carefully developed, and survey materials are delivered on schedule?
A: One of my main duties is to work closely with Survey Administrators and other team members to ensure that data collection plans are comprehensive and aligned with our broader goals. I provide feedback on timelines, budgets, and logistics, ensuring that each aspect is feasible given the resources and constraints.
Planning for surveys is a multi-step, collaborative process that starts months in advance. We often work backward from the date the survey data is due to be published to ensure that each task (data collection, processing, analysis) has enough time to be completed thoroughly. Coordinating all these steps can be challenging since tasks often depend on each other. For example, the design of survey materials needs to be finished before we can begin training enumerators. We account for these dependencies in the overall timeline.
Q: How do you integrate the needs of NASDA enumerators into planning for surveys?
A: We prioritize giving enumerators as much time as possible to gather data. Recognizing that the accuracy and quality of survey responses can improve with ample time, we make a concerted effort to extend the data collection phase whenever possible. This helps ensure that enumerators are not rushed and have the flexibility to address any issues that arise during the process.
Q: What considerations go into managing a crop and specialty survey, and how do you ensure it captures the necessary information from farmers?
A: The first step in managing any survey, particularly a new one, is understanding what specific data need to be collected and how those data will be used once the survey is complete. This typically involves working with subject matter experts (SMEs)—including survey methodologists, survey designers, and statisticians—to define what information is necessary. The goal is to ensure that the survey will gather data to meet the needs of data users, including policymakers, farmers, and agricultural businesses.
Q: How do you determine the scope of the survey?
A: Once we understand the desired data outcomes, we determine the scope of the survey. For crop and specialty surveys, this includes identifying specific commodities or regions to be surveyed, the target population (i.e., which farmers or farm operations will be included), and the time periods for data collection. This scope guides the development of the survey instruments and the methodology used to collect data.
Q: Can you describe the importance of questionnaire design and testing?
A: The questionnaire is the core tool for gathering data from farmers, so its design is critical. We work closely with a survey methodologist to develop questions that are clear, precise, and appropriately structured. This involves balancing the need for detailed information with the necessity of keeping the survey manageable for farmers.
Before finalizing the questionnaire, it sometimes undergoes cognitive testing. This process involves asking a small group of volunteers—ideally farmers or individuals familiar with farming operations—to complete the survey. The volunteers provide feedback on question clarity, the difficulty of answering, and any areas of confusion. Cognitive testing helps us identify potential issues with question wording, order, or logic, ensuring the survey is understandable to the target audience and yields reliable data.
Q: What are some common challenges you face when planning and managing a survey, and how do you address those challenges?
A: The primary challenges we face are related to resource allocations, budget constraints, and achieving optimal response rates. These challenges are often interconnected and can significantly impact the overall success of a survey.
Q: How do you address challenges with resource allocation and overlapping priorities?
A: One of the most common challenges is ensuring that all team members have enough time and resources to contribute effectively to multiple concurrent survey projects. Since team members often work on several surveys at once, there is potential for overlapping deadlines and competing priorities, which can lead to time crunches. To manage this, we create detailed project timelines and prioritize tasks. We also ensure that each team member has a backup to assist during busy periods. Regular communication and flexibility in adjusting plans as needed help us stay on track.
Q: How do you handle budget constraints during data collection?
A: Managing the budget is another significant challenge. Budget constraints often require us to be creative and adaptable in our approach to data collection. This might involve using more cost-effective methods, such as phone or online surveys, rather than in-person visits.
Q: What strategies do you use to achieve good response rates?
A: Achieving good response rates can be challenging, especially when budgets and resources are limited. It’s not just about reaching farmers; it’s also about ensuring they feel motivated to complete the survey and see its value. Providing clear training materials, survey instructions, and promotional materials can make a big difference in engagement and response quality.
Q: How do you see the future of agricultural data collection evolving, and its role in shaping agricultural policies and practices?
A: Streamlining the data collection process is essential for reducing the burden on farmers and increasing response rates. By simplifying surveys and leveraging technology, we can make reporting more efficient and less time-consuming. The goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible, encouraging farmers to participate and provide accurate data.
Data are critical for shaping effective agricultural policies and practices, helping policymakers make informed decisions that benefit the agricultural community. The more we simplify data collection, the more we empower farmers to contribute to decisions that impact their industry and livelihoods.
Q: How do you and your staff stay connected with the experiences and challenges faced by enumerators in the field?
A: We stay connected with enumerators through regular communication with our Regional Field Offices and Data Collection Centers, which serve as a vital link between enumerators and our team. During and after each survey we are provided valuable feedback and insights on the challenges enumerators face, such as issues with survey questions, response rates, and any other obstacles.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy seeing projects come to life, from the initial planning stages all the way to the completion of the survey. It’s rewarding to watch how each project evolves, and even more fulfilling to see how our Survey Administrators grow and develop their skills as they manage their work. We have a talented, dedicated team, and I’m proud of the creative solutions they come up with to overcome challenges and ensure the surveys are successful.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time working with NASDA enumerators?
A: We are fortunate to have a team of talented NASDA enumerators who excel at building relationships with farmers and ranchers. They put in the effort to establish trust, which is critical for successful data collection. One experience that stands out involved an enumerator who went above and beyond to help with the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). We needed extra support, so she agreed to work outside her usual area for a week and was assigned at least 20 surveys to complete.
Despite the challenge, she completed every single survey by the end of the week. Her dedication and hard work were impressive, as she managed to not only collect the necessary data but also build rapport with the farmers in such a short time. It was a great reminder of the commitment and professionalism of our enumerators, and I was truly amazed by the quality of work she did under tight time constraints.
