Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Farmers encouraged to participate in survey

Survey revolves around different USDA programs

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is encouraging American farmers to participate in a survey about some USDA programs and their experiences when using the programs.

The organization’s main reasons for administering the survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, are to advise the USDA on how programs can be improved and make them more useful and attractive for farmers to consider.

Questions in the survey include how long the participant has been farming, the commodities produced on the farm and specifics about certain USDA programs.

“Farmers and ranchers sometimes find it confusing and complex to participate in USDA programs,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said in a release. “At the same time, USDA staff are concerned that farmers and ranchers who could benefit from a number of different programs frequently do not apply.”

The survey will focus on 10 USDA programs administered by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development. The specific programs being explored are:

  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program
  • Conservation Stewardship Program
  • Conservation Reserve Program
  • Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
  • Value-Added Agricultural Producer Grants
  • Rural Energy for America Program
  • Farmers’ Marketing and Local Food Promotion Program
  • Direct Farm Ownership Loans
  • Direct Farm Operating Loans
  • Guaranteed Farm Loans (farm operating and farm ownership)

Farmers across the United States are able to participate in the survey until Tuesday, March 15, 2016.


Trending Video

Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.