DOVER, Del. — Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse is reminding farmers to complete the small grain production survey that has been sent out to nearly 300 producers by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2017 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

“The information that our farmers provide is critical to helping everyone — from fellow farmers to lawmakers to extension professionals — make decisions that will impact our industry,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse. “It is critical that NASS has the most accurate data, so for Delaware farmers that have not yet completed the September Surveys, I urge you to participate.”

“The small grains industry is a big player in Delaware agriculture and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this key sector of the economy,” said NASS Delaware State Statistician Dale P. Hawks. “The data collected from this survey will also help set small grain acreage and production estimates at the county level.”

NASS will contact Delaware survey participants to gather information on their 2017 production and the quantities of corn, soybeans, barley and wheat stored on farm. As an alternative to mailing the survey back and to help save both time and money, growers will have the option to respond to the survey securely online. Farmers who have not responded 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 aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Survey results will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on Sept. 29. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Delaware Field Office at 800-675-0295.

— Delaware Department of Agriculture