Letter to Potential Participants

xxxx, 2011

Dear Sir or Madam,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon conduct an in-depth study of U.S. small-scale livestock operations, focusing on such important topics as marketing and animal health. The Small-Scale Livestock Operations 2011 study will yield critical data on your needs and the challenges you face. Therefore, I am hoping that we can count on your participation.

The Small-Scale Livestock Operations 2011 study, which is part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), will benefit you and your fellow producers by

• Providing a description of animal health, marketing, and management practices on small-scale livestock operations; and

• Identifying challenges faced by small-scale operations.

“Those who participate in the study will contribute information that will help direct research, develop educational programs, and guide policy development,” said John Clifford, Chief Veterinary officer for the USDA.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the survey in all 50 States. You can complete your survey and return it in the self-addressed envelope or one of our telephone enumerators will be contacting you between April 11 and April 29, 2011, for a telephone interview.

Please be assured that the survey responses will be kept strictly confidential and used only in combination with other responses to report regional and U.S. estimates.

The enclosed brochure describes this study in more detail.

We value your input and look forward to your cooperation in making the Small-Scale Livestock Operations 2011 study a success.

Sincerely,

Carol House

Deputy Administrator for Programs and products

Enclosure (1)