Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/18/11

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service announced it will eliminate a number of survey-based reports in light of funding reductions in fiscal year 2011 and the likelihood of additional reductions in fiscal. 2012.

Among the reports eliminated, those relevant to the meat industry include:
• Annual Reports on Farm Numbers, Land in Farms and Livestock Operations
• January Sheep and Goat Report
• July Cattle Report
• Distiller Co-Products for Feed Survey
NASS also said it will reduce the frequency of its Chemical Use Reports.

Recognizing the importance of NASS's data products and services to U.S. agriculture, NASS will make available similar data either less frequently or within the every 5-year Census of Agriculture. The next census will be conducted beginning January 2013 to reflect activities in the 2012 calendar year.
A Federal Register notice announcing the program changes will be forthcoming.

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