USDA to Determine 2012 Crop Yields

By CnAgri Print

As farmers wrap up the 2012 growing season, the USDA will conduct three major surveys to determine 2012 crop acreage and yields, as well as, hog inventories. These three surveys, the 2012 Row Crops County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS), the December Agricultural Survey, and the December Hog Report, will be used to establish final 2012 crop acreage, yield, and production estimates, as well as, winter wheat and rye seedings, grain stocks, and hog inventories and farrowings. Estimates of acreage, yield, and production of corn, soybeans, and dry beans by county will also be set using the data farmers provide on these surveys.

The USDA will contact approximately 4,000 Michigan farmers and ask them to provide their 2012 acreage and production data. Each report is critical to ensure data reliability.

Most selected farmers will receive a questionnaire in the mail. Those not responding by mail, will receive a follow up telephone call or personal visit. Producers receiving questionnaires in the mail are encouraged to complete and return the questionnaire promptly. Completing the surveys on the internet is also an option for all three surveys. Individual reports from farmers are kept confidential and are summarized to set county, state, and national estimates of crop production.