USDA Will Survey Minnesota Row Crop Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) will survey row crop farmers in 42 states including Minnesota later this fall. The survey will ask farmers how many total acres they planted, how many were harvested, the yield and total production. "The data provided by producers will help federal and state programs support the farmer," said Dan Lofthus, Minnesota State Statistician. "We hope every producer understands the importance of these data and will take the time to respond if they receive this survey."

Within the next few weeks NASS representatives will contact selected Minnesota growers to arrange telephone or in person interviews to complete the survey. "NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data. ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified as required by federal law. I have been asked to be part of a survey like this before. I always try and cooperate with NASS,, even though many times I am not very happy with the data and the impact it has on corn and soybean prices!