Pre-survey Letter for Corn, Cotton, and Soybeans - Revised

OMB No, 0535-0088 Exp. Date 7/31/2021

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

[Your] Field Office

[Date]

Dear Producer:

For more than 50 years, the Objective Yield Survey has played an integral part in U.S. crop production forecasts. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) combines field measurements with farmer-reported survey data to publish monthly crop production estimates.

Why am I getting this letter?

The Objective Yield Survey will begin in late [month] for [commodity]. During [month], a NASS representative will call you and other selected producers to verify crop acreage reported on previous NASS surveys. The initial call will take 15 to 25 minutes of your time. With your permission, we will then enter your field(s) at the end of each month during the growing season to collect plant and fruit counts and measurements. Monthly follow-up visits, if needed, will not require your time or personal contact.

Information from the Objective Yield Survey will help you and other American farmers make informed business decisions on your operations.

How will the data be used?

This survey is a crucial tool for estimating [commodity] yield and production in the United States. All sectors of the agricultural industry rely on NASS yield and production estimates to help make sound business decisions. NASS publishes the findings for [commodity] each month, [month] through [month], in the monthly Crop Production report.

Thank you in advance for your support of our programs and [State] agriculture. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (800) xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,

[Director’s Name]

Director, [Regional] Field Office

U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB number is 0535-0088. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

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www.nass.usda.gov

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