USDA Conducting ARMS Survey

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 -- 9:00 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service is surveying farm operators across the nation to update information on production practices, resource use, and economic well-being of U.S. farms and farm households.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, selected operators have received forms in the mail for the survey, which is called Agricultural Resource Management Survey.

"ARMS is the only survey that measures the current financial well-being of Wisconsin producers and their households as a whole," said State Agriculture Statistician Greg Bussler.

"The results of this survey will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs that affect Wisconsin farms and farm families."  NASS conducts ARMS jointly with USDA's Economic Research Service.

In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, these agencies will reach out to more than 30,000 producers nationwide, including 1,350 in Wisconsin between January and April.  "In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those farmers who have not yet responded," said Bussler.

He continued, "We appreciate their time and are here to help them with the questionnaire so that their information will continue supporting sound agricultural decision-making."

The agency says decision makers from all facets of U.S. agriculture will use the collective information from ARMS to answer questions and make important decisions concerning the economic viability of American agriculture, the rural economy and other emerging issues.

The information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS will publish the economic data gathered in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report next summer.

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