USDA NASS Crop Surveys Overview

Surveying a very popular method used by agricultural agencies to gather information from farmers.

Below is a list of some of the surveys USDA NASS uses to collect data about crops:

Crops/Stocks (Agricultural Survey)

Purpose:

The Crops/Stocks surveys contain data about crop production, land area, output, and on-farm grain/oilseed storage estimates. The data collected about commodities varies by state, as each state grows different types of crops.

Frequency:

Every 3 months, every state submits Crop/Stocks survey information based on multiple frame estimates (list and area) of farm operations and the growing season of their commodities.

In general, crop/stock data is collected from farmers in the time frame listed below:

• March: Farmer’s goals for planting crops
• June: Actual crops planted and production goals
• September: Harvest and production data  {for small grains}
• December: Production data {for hay/row crops}

In addition, specialty crop data are acquired either once a year (like rye)  or twice year (like sunflowers) for the states that grow them.

Methods:

Though the majority of Crops/Stocks survey data is collected over the phone,  in-person interviews and mailed surveys are additional ways that USDA NASS collects the data.  About two weeks is allotted before the survey reference date to gather survey answers. Every crop is assigned a goal sample size, with sample sizes ranging from 65,000 to 81,000 depending on the time of the year.

Crop Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS)

Purpose:

Gathering data from every county in 44 states, the CAPS offers county level data of crop acreage estimates and production and livestock numbers. The results of this survey can be used for crop loss insurance payments, disaster assistance programs, and market prices.

The types of questions asked for different commodity type include:

Acreage? (Vegetables and field crops)

How many trees/vines are there and the harvested amount? (Fruits)

Inventory? (Livestock)

Frequency:

States usually complete the CAPS once a year when harvesting is over in late autumn. However, at the end of the summer, some states complete an additional CAPS to count for early harvest crops such as small grains.

Methods:

The goal of CAPS is to reach every state’s farms and ranches usually through mail and then phone follow ups for farms that don’t respond.

Crop Progress and Conditions Survey

Purpose:

For every state, Crop Progress and Conditions survey  reporters include the weekly status of farming events like crop input and outputs, crop phenology, and rating of crop conditions. The results of the survey can be found inside the weekly Crop Progress report that includes crop condition rating tables information (with ratings ranging from excellent to very poor) for the present/past week and past 1 year and 5 year average ratings.

Frequency:

From the start of April to the end of November, the Crop Progress and Conditions survey is completed once a week by state reporters. In addition, field office reporters submit farm updates once month in the winter.

Methods:

Survey results can be submitted through a website, e-mail, phone, or fax.

Comment:

Which survey do you use the most to help with your research and/or farming operations? Let me know in the comments below!