USDA to Expand Farmer Surveys for Better Crop Data
The USDA will increase farmer survey samples by up to 35 percent following record low response rates. This move aims to boost precision in major crop estimates.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant expansion of its farmer survey program following record-low participation rates that have raised concerns about the reliability of national crop data. The agency's statistical arm, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), revealed during a public data users meeting that the response rate for the March 31 planting intentions report fell to 37.6%, a sharp decline from 44.3% the previous year.
To address these challenges and improve data precision, the USDA intends to increase the sample size of farmers surveyed for the June 30 acreage report by approximately 35%. Subsequent reports scheduled for September, December, and March will see a 10% increase in survey participants, pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget.
