Agricultural Surveys Program

(sample respondent letter for use in April or July)

April xx, 2007 – OR – July xx, 2007

Dear Producer:

You have been selected as a participant in the 2007 Agricultural Yield Survey. This survey, conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is the primary tool used to measure crop acreage, yield and production throughout the growing season.

The participation of growers, such as yourself, is key to collecting critical information on the current state of U.S. agricultural production. This information will be used to compile USDA’s Crop Production report, the only comprehensive report that tracks production changes, conditions and trends on a monthly basis.

Although 2006 was a successful crop year for many (State) growers, we know that the coming season will offer new challenges with uncertain input costs and (specific State concerns). Responding to this survey will only take a couple minutes of your time, but will produce some of the most valuable information growers depend on during the crop year.

Between now and (month) we will contact you around the beginning of each month either by mail or phone. For convenience, you may also respond to the survey online through a secure web site (see enclosed instructions). The first month you will be asked to provide information on acres planted, acreage for harvest and expected yield per acre. In the following months, you will be asked to update your expected yield per acre.

Your cooperation ensures that NASS is able to provide a timely, accurate, unbiased report on agricultural production according to the frontline source – YOU, the grower.

All sectors of the U.S. agricultural industry – whether producers, buyers, suppliers, policymakers and others – rely on crop production estimates to make sound business decisions.

Your response will be kept confidential by federal law. NASS safeguards the confidentially of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Thank you in advance for your support of our programs and (State) agriculture. If you have any questions or concerns, I may be contacted at (800) xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,

(Director’s Name)

Director

Enclosure