Colony Loss Cover Letter

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

June 22, 2020

Why am I getting this letter?
You have been selected for the 2020 July Quarterly
Colony Loss Survey. Please complete your
questionnaire online or alternately by mail at your
earliest convenience. As one of only 3,500 beekeepers
receiving this survey, your response is vital to ensure
accurate data are available.
If we do not hear from you by June 29, 2020, we will
attempt to arrange a telephone interview.

What should I do next?
Complete your survey in one of the following
ways:
Online at agcounts.usda.gov. Online
reporting is fast, cost-effective, and
secure. All you need is the 17-digit
survey code on the enclosed form to
begin.
By mail or fax. Complete the survey
questionnaire and mail it back in the
envelope provided or fax it to (855)
415-3687.

How will the data be used?
The survey results provide a statistical benchmark on honey bee colony numbers and death loss for
comparison each year. The information will allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beekeepers and any
other interested parties to analyze data on a state-by-state basis, and compare specific quarterly losses,
additions and movements.
The results of this survey will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or
producer can be identified, as required by federal law. We plan to publish the results in the Honey Bee
Colonies Report on August 3, 2020.
Thank you for participating and for your support of our programs and U.S. agriculture. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-424-7828.
Sincerely,

Joseph L. Parsons
Chair, Agricultural Statistics Board
Enclosure

1400 Independence Ave, SW – Washington, DC 20250
www.nass.usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.