Cover Letter

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

January XX, 2019

Dear Farmer, Rancher, or Grower:
Few issues are as important to agricultural sustainability as water use. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting the 2018 Irrigation and
Water Management Survey to provide information on irrigation practices so that the U.S. can
ensure long-term sustainability of water resources. The results of this survey will provide a
single source of comprehensive, up-to-date information on irrigation and water use across the
agricultural industry.
Please respond promptly in either of the following ways:
 Online at www.agcounts.usda.gov. You need the identification number of the enclosed
form to begin. Instructions are on the reverse of this letter.
 By mail. Complete the enclosed form and mail it back in the return envelope provided.
The 2018 Irrigation and Water Management Survey is part of the Census of Agriculture Program
which is required by law and protected by law (Title 7, U.S. Code and the Confidential
Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act). These federal laws require that NASS
keeps your identity and your answers confidential.
Please respond by February XX, 2019. For more information about this survey, visit
www.agcensus.usda.gov. If you have questions or need assistance, call (888) 424-7828.
Thank you in advance for your participation in the 2018 Irrigation and Water Management
Survey. This is your chance to make your voice heard on the important issues of water use.
Sincerely,

Hubert Hamer
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service
United States Department of Agriculture
Enclosures

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.