The U.S. Department of Agriculture relies on cash rental data to develop and administer programs that benefit Wisconsin farmers and rural communities. To provide this needed information, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will soon begin contacting farmers and ranchers throughout the state to participate in the 2010 Cash Rents Survey.
“Taking part in the Cash Rents Survey is one of the best investments producers can make,” said Bob Battaglia, director of the NASS Wisconsin field office. “Ultimately, the results will provide a valuable decision-making tool for farmers, ranchers and other landowners – especially when negotiating 2011 rental agreements and making other business decisions.”
For that reason, this year NASS moved the survey from the fall to the spring, to ensure the results are available sooner. In September, NASS will publish the average cash rental rates at the national, state and county levels for nonirrigated cropland, irrigated cropland and pastureland. In March, NASS will mail the Cash Rents Survey to 7,000 producers in Wisconsin. “Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for farmers and ranchers to provide this information. They can mail a survey form back or reply online or over the phone,” Battaglia said. “Regardless of which method they choose, they can be assured that the confidentiality of all responses is protected by federal law. NASS publishes only aggregate-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.”
For more information about the Cash Rents Survey, call the NASS Wisconsin field office at 800-789-9277. All NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
