Wisconsin Ag Connection - USDA to Survey Local Small Grains Acreage, Production

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

USDA to Survey Local Small Grains Acreage, Production
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/21/2018

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service will soon be contacting producers for its County Agricultural Production Survey. Beginning September 1, NASS will be taking a comprehensive look into the 2018 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye, as well as collecting information about grains and oilseeds stored on farms.

The surveys will collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and total yield and production of small grains crops down to the county level. Additionally, the CAPS will provide the data needed to estimate county level acreage and production of selected crops in the United States.

"The data provided by producers will help federal and state programs support the farmer," said State Ag Statistician Greg Bussler. "I hope every single producer understands the importance of these data and will take the time to respond if they receive this survey. Producers lose out when there is no data to determine accurate rates for loans, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections and more."

Bussler says without data, agencies such as USDA's Risk Management Agency or Farm Service Agency do not have information on which to base the programs that serve those same producers.

Within the next few weeks, representatives will contact selected Wisconsin growers to arrange in-person interviews for conducting the survey. Survey results will be published in the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on September 28.

Other Wisconsin Headlines