LOUISVILLE, Ky. — USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began mailing the December Agricultural Surveys, that query Kentucky farmers about acres planted, acres harvested, production and yield for their 2018 corn, soybeans, hay, tobacco, and cotton crops.
“Data for Row Crops are collected through mid-December,” said David Knopf, Director, Eastern Mountain Region. “The data are used to set state production estimates, and then county average yields.”
“Data can have a direct impact on farmers,” Knopf said. “For example, county yield estimates will be used by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency for Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC). The Risk Management Agency uses the data for administering the Area Risk Protection Insurance Plan and establishment of transitional yields.”
As an alternative to mailing the surveys back and to help save both time and money, growers will have the option to respond to the survey securely online. Farmers may also receive a phone call from a NASS representative who will interview operators using the survey form.
Survey results will be published in several reports, including the annual Crop Production report and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on January 11, 2019. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For
more information, call the NASS Office at (502) 907-3250.
— USDA Eastern Mountain Regional Field Center
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