As farmers finish harvesting this year's corn and soybean crops, the USDA, NASS, Michigan Field Office will conduct three major surveys: the 2011 Row Crops County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS), the December Agricultural Survey, and the December Hog Report.
The CAPS has been restructured to provide a more uniform and consistent format for collecting county level data across all States. Data from these surveys will be used to establish final 2011 crop acreage, yield, and production estimates, 2012 winter wheat and rye seedings, grain stocks, hog inventory and farrowings. County estimates for major crops are an important outcome from these survey data.
To get the final story on the 2011 crops, about 3,500 Michigan farmers will be contacted on the 2011 CAPS.
Approximately 1,700 will be asked to complete the December Agricultural Survey, and about 200 more will be contacted on the December Hog Report. Each report is critical to ensure data reliability.
Most selected farmers will receive a questionnaire in the mail. Some will be contacted by telephone or interviewed in person. Producers receiving the CAPS, the December Agricultural Survey, or the December Hog Report are encouraged to complete and return it promptly. Completing the survey on the web is also an option for all three surveys.
Reporting by mail or on the internet will eliminate the need for telephone or personal follow-up, thus keeping survey costs to a minimum.
Individual reports from farmers are kept confidential and only summarized to set county, state, and national estimates of crop production and livestock inventories.
Published estimates from these surveys level the playing field for farmers and ranchers, giving them access to the same information as elevators, input suppliers, bankers and others with whom they do business.
Users of these statistics include farmers and farm organizations, crop insurance firms, farm suppliers, exporters, foreign and domestic customers, transportation firms, and government agencies that manage farm programs and set farm policy.
The Hogs and Pigs report based on the December Hog survey will be released December 23.
The Crop Production, Grain Stocks, and Winter Wheat Seedings reports based on the December Agricultural Survey will be released January 11, 2012.
County level estimates based on data from these surveys will be available on February 9, 2012 for small grains and on February 23, 2012 for corn and soybeans.
If you have any questions about the surveys or releases, contact the USDA, NASS, Michigan Field Office at 1-800-453-7501.