In order to gain additional insight into the agricultural industry this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is in the midst of surveying farmers across Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina to gauge supply and production. NASS had announced on May 1 that it would be spending the first two weeks in June, collecting information to create publically accessible reports on major commodities.
“Agriculture, in its many forms, contributes $70 billion to the Georgia economy each year, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the state’s total economy,” said Jutt Howard, an advisory board member of Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry. “In fact, one in seven Georgians works in some capacity in the agricultural sector. So, yes, the business of agriculture is vital to the economic success of our state. To support continued growth of agricultural business here in Georgia, our legislators and policy makers must have the most complete and accurate data to work with.”
The reports from NASS will provide accurate information on major crops, grain stocks and livestock from the listed states in 2015. Agricultural professionals use this data to make decisions on marketing, investments and production. Additionally, Congress utilizes this information to create more efficient agricultural regulations and programs for farmers.
The survey information is being collected via phone, mail and personal interviews. For selected surveys, individuals may also be asked to contribute over the Internet. When the reports are compiled, they will be made available on the NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov.