The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey approximately 90,000 U.S. producers for final information on 2017 row crops during the first two weeks of December. Details on harvested acreage, production and storage will be used to establish farm safety net programs, making it crucial farmers take the time to provide accurate information.

NASS uses the survey results to help establish county level estimates used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the Agriculture Risk Coverage program and the Risk Management Agency to administer insurance programs. With responses to the survey declining over the years, some counties have had incomplete data to establish safety net programs, making it difficult for the USDA and FSA to calculate accurate payments.

Farmers selected to participate will receive the survey by mail and will have the option to complete the survey via a secure online questionnaire or return it by mail. All submitted information is confidential.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association urges farmers who receive the survey to complete and return it in a timely manner in order to ensure payments are calculated as accurately as possible.

You can read additional information about the survey here.