Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 8/6/15

During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will receive survey forms from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2015 production and supply of wheat, oats, and barley.

“The small grains industry is an important part of North Carolina agriculture and it is crucial for us to have accurate data about this sector,” said NASS North Carolina State Statistician Dee Webb. “We will contact a sample of producers to accurately measure 2015 acreage, yield, and production. The data collected from this survey will also help set small grain acreage and production estimates at the county level.”

NASS will contact North Carolina survey participants to gather information on their 2015 production and the quantities of small grains stored on farm. As an alternative to mailing the survey back and to help save both time and money, growers will have the option to respond to the survey securely online. Farmers who have not responded by August 29 may receive a phone call from a NASS representative who will help them fill out the survey form.

As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified. Survey results will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on September 30. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS North Carolina Field Office at 1-800-437-8451.