Sample Stakeholder Letter for Sheep and Goats

[Your Association Letterhead]

[Date]

Dear Sheep or Goat Producer:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the Sheep and Goats Survey. This survey is critical to our industry because it provides useful information for decision-making that is not available elsewhere. Please take a few moments to complete the survey when you receive it in the mail.

The survey is the only comprehensive measure of sheep and goat inventory nationwide. It also counts the lambs and kids born during 2013 and looks at prices and production of wool and mohair across the country. The information collected benefits everyone in our industry by enabling us to make sound and informed business decisions.

Please respond to the NASS survey in either of the following ways:

• Online at www.agcounts.usda.gov. You need the identification number on the form to begin. Instructions are on the back of the letter with your questionnaire.

• By mail. Complete the form and mail it back in the return envelope provided.

If you do not respond by [Date of Non-response calling], a NASS representative will contact you to arrange a telephone or personal interview. Please be assured that your responses are protected by law. These federal laws require that NASS keeps your identity and your answers confidential.

Thank you for participating in the Sheep and Goats Inventory Survey and for your support of our industry. NASS will publish the survey results on January 31, 2014, in the Sheep and Goats report, available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]