Farming Community Census Planned

From the Endeavor News

Farmers in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties may be contacted early next year when the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture, begins the process of conducting its Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).

“This study gives farmers the opportunity to provide data and information that will be used to guide the state and federal governments in addressing the issues affecting the agriculture industry,” Causer said. “Participation is optional for anyone who is contacted for the survey.”

The survey will be conducted between Jan. 28 and April 14, 2011, and will include input from nearly 35,000 farmers nationwide, of which 673 will be randomly selected from Pennsylvania. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, production costs and household characteristics.

Causer also noted that the Pennsylvania Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be surveying cattle farmers for its largest cattle survey from Dec. 30 to Jan. 11, 2011. Estimates will include the total number of cattle and calves as of Jan. 1, 2011, as well as the total number of heifers, steers, milk cows and beef cows.

Results of the cattle survey will be made available on Jan. 28, 2011, and the data gathered in ARMS will be published on Aug. 2, 2011. Both reports will be accessible by visiting the NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov.

For questions or concerns regarding both surveys, farmers may contact NASS by calling 1-800-727-9540.