USDA surveys on the way to U.S. farmers

Aug 15, 2022

Producers in 32 states will receive the 2022 County Agricultural Production Survey

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Farmers throughout the United States will be receiving surveys in the coming days and weeks.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is sending its 2022 County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS) for small grains to farmers in 32 states.

The questionnaire, which focuses on crops like oats, wheat and barley, collects data on total acres planted and harvested, yield and production of small grains to a county level.

Farmers are also encouraged to complete the survey online.

Farmers should take the time to fill out the surveys as the data helps USDA support producers, said Erik Gerlach, South Dakota’s state statistician.

The data provided will help federal and state programs support the farmer,” he said in a statement. “I hope every producer understands the importance of these data and will take the time to respond if they receive this survey.

“Producers can lose out when there are no data to determine accurate rates for loans, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections, and more. Without data, agencies such as USDA’s Risk Management Agency and Farm Service Agency do not have information on which to base the programs that serve those same producers.”

Data from the CAPS survey will be published online at 3 p.m. EST on Dec. 15.

To find out when USDA will be publishing results from other surveys, visit the NASS Reports by Year page.

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.