Pre-survey Letter - SAMPLE

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

OMB No. 0535-0088

Approval Expires: xx/xx/20xx

{Date}

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB number is 0535-0088. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only. Your response will be kept confidential and any person who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you or your operation is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both. This survey is conducted in accordance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018, Title III of Pub. L. No. 115-435, codified in 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35 and other applicable Federal laws. For more information on how we protect your information please visit: https://www.nass.usda.gov/confidentiality.

Response is voluntary.

Template

Dear Producer:

The Objective Yield Survey plays an important part in estimating U.S. crop production forecasts. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) combines field measurements from Objective Yield plots with farmer-reported survey data and satellite-based vegetative information measurements to prepare monthly crop production estimates. Your cooperation is key to accurate crop production estimates.

Why am I getting this letter?

The Objective Yield Survey for corn and soybeans will begin this month. A NASS representative will call you and other selected producers to verify crop acreage reported on previous NASS surveys. The initial call will take 15 to 25 minutes of your time.

An aerial photo and county section map are enclosed.

• Please keep the map as a reference for your phone interview.

• The survey includes questions about the corn or soybean acreage you reported within the red boundaries on the map.

With your permission, we will then enter your field(s) at the end of each month during the growing season to collect plant and crop measurements. Monthly follow-up visits, if needed, will not require your time or personal contact.

How will the data be used?

NASS publishes the findings for these crops each month, September through December, in the monthly Crop Production report. All sectors of the agricultural industry rely on NASS yield and production estimates to help make sound business decisions. Thank you in advance for your support of our programs and U.S. agriculture. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 888-424-7828.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Parsons

Chairperson, Agricultural Statistics Board

1400 Independence Ave, SW – Washington, DC 20250

www.nass.usda.gov
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