Cover Letter

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

July 8, 2013

Dear Cotton Ginner:
Beginning in August 2013, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin
collecting cotton gin data periodically throughout the ginning season. For your convenience, you
have the following options to respond:
 Online at www.agcounts.usda.gov. This method is fast, easy and secure. You will need
your unique 17-digit survey code from the front page of the questionnaire to begin. The
online response instructions will be in enclosed in the first questionnaire mailing.
 By mail or fax. Complete the survey questionnaire and mail it back in the return
envelope that will be provided or fax it.
Once you provide your responses, NASS will combine them with those of your fellow ginners
nationwide and publish the results in Cotton Ginnings reports to be released every two weeks
during the survey season. A copy of the Cotton Ginnings 2012 Summary report is available by
request on the enclosed “Ginnings Record Book Order” form. All NASS reports are available
online free of charge at www.nass.usda.gov.
Please be assured that your responses are completely confidential, as required by Federal law.
NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents, ensuring that no individual operation or
producer can be identified.
We are once again offering you free copies of the Cotton Ginnings Record Book. If you would
like a copy, please let us know how many you need on the enclosed “Ginnings Record Book
Order” form and return the order form in the enclosed envelope. If you do not want copies of the
record book or summary report, there is no need to return the order form.
Thank you once again for participating and for your support of our programs and U.S. agriculture.
Sincerely,

Hubert Hamer
Chair, Agricultural Statistics Board
Enclosures
1400 Independence Avenue, S W
Washington, DC 20250
(800)727-9540
www.nass.usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

GINNINGS RECORD BOOK ORDER
YES - Please provide me with ____________copies of the Cotton Ginnings Record Book.
YES - Please provide me with a copy of the Cotton Ginnings 2012 Summary.
Please enter the address where you would like the books sent:
Operation /Name:__________________________________________
Street Address:___________________________
City______________State_______Zip_________
Phone: [______] ________ - __________