NASS Cover Letter

U nited States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

March XX, 2016

Dear Producer,

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the annual Mink Survey beginning on May XX, 2016. Your response is needed to ensure that we have the most current information available.

This national survey gathers information on the number of pelts produced and the number of females bred and to be bred in 2016. The survey also asks for the value of pelt production and marketing prices by color class. NASS will publish the survey results in its annual mink report, to be released July XX, 2016.

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 the 17-digit response code on the survey mailing label to begin; then follow the instructions on the back of this letter.

• By mail or fax. Complete the survey questionnaire and mail it back in the return envelope provided or fax it to (314)595-9990.

These response methods are time- and cost-efficient. If you do not respond by May XX, we will contact you to arrange a telephone or personal interview. Please be assured that your responses are completely confidential, as required by Federal law. The National Agricultural Statistics Service safeguards the privacy of all respondents, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support for the mink industry and our programs.

Sincerely,

Hubert Hamer

Chair, Agricultural Statistics Board

Enclosure

1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, D.C. 20250

www.nass.usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.