By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is gearing up to conduct the final phase of the 2023 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) across Indiana in January 2024. This survey, conducted jointly by NASS and the USDA's Economic Research Service, aims to gather comprehensive data on farm economics and production practices from farmers and ranchers.
Indiana's farmers' insights, a part of this survey, will directly impact both state and national policy-making decisions, according to the USDA. More than 1,600 producers in Indiana will be contacted as part of the survey that extends to over 40,000 producers nationwide between January and April. The questionnaire delves into operating revenues, production costs, household characteristics, and other crucial aspects of farm operations.
The 2023 ARMS survey in Indiana emphasizes specific inquiries tailored for soybean producers, focusing on farm costs, returns, conservation practices, household finances, and off-farm employment.
Interviewers will commence contacting farmers in January who haven't responded via mail or online, ensuring comprehensive data collection for accurate insights.
The collected data serves various purposes, including calculating the farm sector's portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the survey provides detailed information on production practices, costs, and returns for 13 principal commodities on a rotational basis.
Upholding confidentiality, NASS employs robust safeguards, ensuring that individual responses remain confidential and are only presented in an aggregate form. This ensures the protection of farmers' privacy and the confidentiality of their operations.
Participation in this survey not only shapes agricultural policy but also contributes to a comprehensive understanding of farm economics, guiding decisions crucial for the well-being of Indiana's agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Business