Farmers have the opportunity to provide input on ag policy policies and programs that affect them, and to make sure those programs are based on accurate, real-world data.

This is the goal of the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey, conducted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

ARMS is USDA's primary source of information on production practices, resource use, and economic well-being of America's farm operations and farm households. The survey targets selected commodities on a rotating basis to collect data on costs of production.

This year, NASS will collect information on operating expenditures and production costs from beef cow/calf operations. Additionally, for the first time, USDA will explore the production of crops for bioenergy by collecting data on land management and marketing channels for corn and soybean operations.

"Just about every federal policy and program that affects U.S. farmers and farm families is based on information from ARMS," says Joe Parsons, director of the NASS Nebraska Field Office. "This information is used not just by USDA and Congress, but also by state legislators, agribusinesses, and others who make decisions that shape the future of Nebraska agriculture."

From now until April 23, the Nebraska Field Office will contact 1,900 farmers statewide by mail or personal interview to complete the survey. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, production costs, and household characteristics.

"All farm operators rely on quality information and sound government policies in order to run a successful business. That's why participation in ARMS is so important," Parsons explains. "Producer participation in ARMS ensures that decisions affecting farmers, their families, their businesses and their communities are based on the facts, straight from the source."

As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified. All NASS reports are available online at: www.nass.usda.gov.  

Find agricultural statistics for your county, state, and the country at www.nass.usda.gov.