Objective Yield Survey - Tri-fold brochure

Cotton (4
(4States)
States)
Cotton

USDA NASS
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
Rm 5030 South Building
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250-9540

Corn
Corn (10
(10States)
States)

Objective
Yield
Survey

Soybeans
Soybeans (11
(11States)
States)

WinterWheat
Wheat (10
(10States)
States)
Winter

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Objective Yield Survey
is the only USDA survey that
provides actual
measurements of the current
condition and progress of
principal crops throughout
the growing season.

For more than 50 years, the Objective
Yield Survey has played an integral part in
U.S. crop forecasts. Conducted by USDA’s
National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), this survey gathers vital information
needed to estimate production and provide
early season forecasts.
NASS combines these field measurements
with farmer-reported survey data to publish
monthly crop production estimates. The
information is used by farmers across
the country to make informed decisions
about their operations. It is also used by
federal, state and local governments,
agribusinesses, financial institutions and
many others who serve the agricultural
community.
The crops included in the Objective Yield
Survey are:
•
•
•
•

Corn
Soybeans
Winter Wheat
Cotton

How is the survey conducted?

A NASS representative will visit selected
fields to count and measure crop progress
throughout the growing season. NASS will
use this information to determine the per- acre
yield, which is later used to calculate the total
yield.

When is the survey conducted?

The Objective Yield Survey will begin in late
April for wheat and late July for corn, soybeans
and cotton. Selected fields are revisited at the
end of each month during the growing season
to measure the crop progress.

What should I expect during the
first visit?

During the initial visit, a NASS representative
will ask you to verify the acreage reported on
previous NASS surveys. With your permission,
the surveyor will then enter your field(s)
to collect plant and fruit counts and
measurements.

How much of my involvement
is needed?

A NASS representative will need to speak with
you during the first visit and the last visit after
harvest. During the growing season, follow-up
field visits conducted by NASS will not require
your time.

Can I get my field’s yield from
this survey?

No. The samples collected do not provide
an accurate assessment of the field itself.
Reports are combined to calculate state- and
national-level yield.

Will my information be kept
confidential?

Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteedby
law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual
information will be kept confidential. NASS
uses the information for statistical purposes
and publishes data only in aggregate
form only.

Where can I find results?

Monthly production forecasts are published in
the Crop Production report, beginning in May.
End-of-season estimates are issued in the
annual Small Grains Summary in September
and in the annual Crop Production Summary
in January.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about the Objective Yield
Survey, call (800) 727-9540 or visit
www.nass.usda.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
prohibits discrimination in all its programs and
activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, disability, and, where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status,
religion, sexual orientation, genetic information,
political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an
individual’s income is derived from any public
assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply
to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication of
program information (Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at
(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint
of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 7953272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an
equal opportunity provider and employer.