USDA NASS to Survey Pennsylvania Small Grain Producers

 

We wanted to take the opportunity to highlight two very important surveys of Pennsylvania farmers this fall to be conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS). The first survey is at the national level and is focused on taking a comprehensive look at the 2019 production and supply of small grains (wheat, oats, barley, and rye) in the Mid-Atlantic region. These are important crops to Pennsylvania agriculture. The production data the state’s farmers provide are important to help us improve management recommendations by having first-hand information available to farmers about acreage, yield, and overall production.

 

In addition, USDA-NASS is conducting a second survey as part of the 2019 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) that is focused on barley production in the state, especially related to production costs and farm chemical use. The survey will involve 150 barley producers in the state and the data that selected participants provide are very important to understanding the costs driving production for barley producers, as well as the returns from using different fertilizer and pesticide sprays. This survey is especially important to our team as we commence with new projects focused on improving production, management, and the value chain for malting barley in the state. The value of the information provided by producers is invaluable in improving discussions with stakeholders around the state.