USDA to Measure Grain Stocks in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA – During the first two weeks of September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be contacting farmers nationwide to determine the stocks of grains and oilseeds on farms in the United States.  In Louisiana, producers will be contacted for on-farm storage of corn and soybeans as of September 1.

“Each year, the agriculture industry eagerly awaits USDA’s September Grain Stocks report, which provides data about the on-farm grain stocks on September 1,” said Kathy Broussard, Louisiana State

Statistician.  “Grain stocks in storage is an important part of agriculture, and it is crucial for all involved with the agriculture sector to have accurate data about this key sector for the supply of grains on hand.”  NASS will mail the survey questionnaire to approximately 1,100 Louisiana producers in August, asking producers to provide information on quantities of grains stored on-farm.

Producers are encouraged to respond conveniently online at agcounts.usda.gov. The online questionnaire is fast and secure. They may also return their completed surveys by mail. 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 or schedule a time to do so.

“NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents, by keeping responses confidential and publishing the data in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified,” stated Broussard. “We recognize that this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers, but the information that producers provide becomes useful data for decision-making on the farm, federal farm programs, and the markets. I urge them to respond to this survey and thank them for their time and cooperation.”

NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the state and national results in the quarterly Grain Stocks report on September 30. These survey data also contribute to the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE).

All NASS reports are available at nass.usda.gov/Publications. For more information, call the NASS Delta Reginal Field Office at (800) 327-2970.