Wyoming producers encouraged to complete NASS surveys
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) announced they will be conducting several agricultural-related surveys at the beginning of the new year. These surveys will be sent to producers across the nation, including those in Wyoming.
Cattle operations
During the first two weeks of January, NASS will survey more than 40,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories, which will be published in the January Cattle Report released on Jan. 31, 2023.
Producers will be asked to report their beef and dairy cow inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed operations
“This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions such as planning for herd expansion or reduction,” states Mountain Regional Field Office Director Rodger Ott in a NASS press release. “It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export. Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agricultural industry.”
Milk production
Thousands of U.S. milk producers, including nearly 500 across the states of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, will also receive NASS surveys focused on milk production. Results will be used for the January 2023 Milk Production Survey.
According to NASS, producers will be asked to provide information on the number of milk cows in their herd, cows milked and total milk production for the first day of the month. They will also be asked to provide information on hay purchased to feed their dairy herds and herd replacement prices.
“The dairy industry is an important component of the Mountain Region’s agricultural economy and it is crucial for all involved to have access to accurate data,” says Ott.
Sheep and
goat operations
Additionally, NASS will begin sending out surveys to measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production numbers beginning in late December. Results will be published in the Sheep and Goats Report, which will be released on Jan. 31, 2023.
“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” says Ott. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”
“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory and production is a significant decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs. The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” he adds.
Bee and
honey production
In addition to sending out livestock surveys, NASS will also be conducting their Bee and Honey Production, Disposition and Income Inquiry to collect information on colony numbers, honey production, stocks and sales. NASS notes this information helps evaluate year-to-year conditions and promotes programs designed to ensure the viability of beekeepers and agricultural pollination services across the U.S.
Information will be published in the annual Honey Report on March 17, 2023.
“The survey results provide a statistical benchmark on U.S. honey production and value,” states Ott. “Information will allow the USDA, beekeepers and any other interested parties to analyze data on a state-by-state basis and monitor changes in honey production and value.”
Farm economics
Lastly, NASS will be contacting farmers and ranchers across the state for the third and final phase of the 2022 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This survey looks at farm economics and production practices and asks producers to report information on their operating revenues, production costs and household characteristics.
“ARMS is the only survey measuring the current financial well-being of producers and their households as a whole,” Ott explains. “The data will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs affecting farms and farm families.”
In order to collect the most accurate data possible, NASS says they will be reaching out to more than 35,000 producers nationwide including 2,500 in the Mountain States between December and April of next year. Results will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures Report, which will be released on July 28, 2023.
Privacy and
other information
When it comes to these surveys, NASS ensures participants’ information provided is kept confidential, as required by federal law, and only published in aggregate form so individual producers cannot be identified.
NASS encourages producers in Wyoming to participate in these surveys, and notes information can be reported online, by telephone or via mail.
All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/Publications/. State specific questions can be directed to USDA NASS Wyoming Statistician Leslee Lohrenz at 800-392-3202.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
