What does NASS do?
The National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts surveys and the Census of Agriculture and publishes reports on crop production, stocks, prices paid and received, livestock inventories and much more. It is a statistical agency, so it does not enforce rules or run payment programs.
Reports are free, and many come on a regular schedule, which makes them useful to anyone who markets crops or livestock.
Understand how NASS reports are built. Many are based on samples, with estimates revised as more information arrives, so early numbers can change. Read the notes on methods and the margin of error when the report provides them.
What is the Census of Agriculture?
NASS describes the Census as a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them, conducted on a regular cycle. It collects information about land use, crops, livestock, operators, income and expenses. The results are used for local, state and national decisions about services and programs.
If you receive a Census form, completing it helps make sure your county and your type of farm are counted accurately.
If you want to dig deeper, NASS publishes calendars of upcoming reports, which help you know when new data will arrive and plan your marketing and reading time accordingly.
Is my information kept confidential?
NASS publishes a confidentiality pledge describing legal protections for the information respondents provide. In general, it states that individual responses are used for statistical purposes and are not released in a way that identifies a person or operation, and that the data are not shared with tax or regulatory agencies.
Read the pledge page for exact language. If you are worried, call the NASS contact number printed on your survey and ask.
Extension economists often translate NASS releases into plain language for your region, and many offer newsletters you can subscribe to for free. Do not forget that your own response matters too. Accurate reports of acres, yields and inventories keep the county numbers reliable, which in turn helps everyone who relies on them.
Which NASS reports are most useful?
Crop progress, acreage and production reports, grain stocks, cattle inventory, and prices received are widely used by growers and ranchers. County-level data from the Census can show you average sizes, enterprise mix and trends in your area.
Look at the trend over several reports, not one release. Markets often move around report days, so avoid making major decisions in a rush.
- Crop progress and condition
- Acreage and production estimates
- Livestock inventory reports
- Prices received and prices paid
- County-level Census tables
How do I use NASS data for planning?
Compare your yields, stocking rates and costs with county averages. Use price series to understand seasonal patterns for your commodity. Use local land value and rent information where published to check what you are paying or charging.
Pair these with extension budgets and your own records. The numbers are context, not instructions.
If you use NASS numbers to support a loan request or a grant application, cite the report and date, and note that estimates are statistical. Lenders and reviewers respect a source they can check.
What if a survey arrives and I am busy?
Respond when you can, online or by mail if offered, or ask to be called at a better time. Even approximate answers based on your records help.
Be aware that scammers sometimes imitate surveys to collect personal information. A real NASS survey will not ask for your Social Security number or bank login. If unsure, contact NASS using the number on the nass.usda.gov website.
How do I find my county's numbers?
The NASS site has a Census of Agriculture section with county-level tables, and its Quick Stats tool lets you search for a crop, livestock item or price by county or state. Start with the commodity you produce and the last several years.
Look for average yield, acreage, number of farms and prices received. If your county has few operations, some numbers may be withheld to protect confidentiality, which is a sign the pledge is working.
Write down the two or three numbers that matter most to you, and update the page each year. A simple one-page sheet helps you notice trends before they become surprises.
Key takeaways
- NASS counts and reports, it does not run payment programs.
- The Census of Agriculture is a full count of farms and ranches.
- Read the confidentiality pledge for how your data is protected.
- Use county data to benchmark yields, rents and enterprise mix.
- Verify any survey request that asks for financial login details.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.