Maryland Agriculture Secretary Urges Farmers to Participate in USDA National Agricultural Statistics Survey

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder is urging farmers across the state to participate in upcoming agricultural surveys by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). NASS will be conducting its small grain production survey in early September. The agency is using this survey to assess the 2018 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

“NASS surveys produce the most credible agricultural data available,” said Secretary Bartenfelder. “The information obtained by these upcoming surveys help to inform everyone from farmers to lawmakers and will surely have an impact on the agriculture industry in our state. I urge all Maryland farmers to participate in the surveys so we can make sure that everyone is working with the most accurate data possible.”

NASS will contact Maryland survey participants in the first two weeks of September. In an effort save time and money for growers, participants will have the option to respond to the survey securely online instead of mailing the forms back to the agency. Farmers who have not responded by early September may receive a phone call from a NASS representative who will help them fill out the survey form.

“NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only county-, state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified,” said NASS Maryland State Statistician Dale P. Hawks. . “We recognize that this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers, but the information they provide helps U.S. agriculture remain viable and capable. I urge them to respond to these surveys and thank them for their time and cooperation.”

NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and quarterly Grain Stocks reports, both to be released September 28. Survey data will also contribute to NASS’ monthly and annual Crop Production reports, and the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE).

All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/publications/. For more information call the NASS Maryland Field Office at 800-675-0295.

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