With new Farm Bill in the works, survey is important

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Feb. 24, 2005 - It's that time of year, again, and a number of Texas agricultural producers have received the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey from the U.S. Agricultural Department (USDA) and the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service (TASS).

Robin Roark, TASS state director, said the survey goes out to a group of producers during February and March of each year, with the results being used to provide other members of the ag community, as well as national and state legislators what the needs and strengths of Texas producers might be.

"Reliable, accurate descriptions of the current economic health of Texas farms and ranches are crucial, especially when policymakers, farm organizations, analysts, local USDA agents, news media, farm suppliers, lenders and others make decisions that affect growers," said Roark.

The surveys are especially important, this year, with a new Farm Bill to be considered by 2006. With the recent and ever-changing trade rules and "shifts in domestic policy," producers need to be aware of what the future might hold for the success of their businesses. Changes in school and local taxes can be affected by results of the survey, and lobbyists supporting agriculture will be able to assist producers.

Some people who are not actually involved in the ag section, by looking at gross receipts, might believe that all producers are making money. Once they are able to see the "big picture," which includes overhead payments for labor, fertilizer, fuel and equipment ... that continue to rise ... most will realize that the net income can present a very different picture.

Roark wanted to make sure that those who receive surveys or have an interviewer visit realize that all information is kept completely confidential ... by law ... under Title 7 of the U.S. Code.

The first report from the USDA, Farm Production Expenditures, should be released in July. For a copy of the complete report or other ag statistics, visit the National Agricultural Statistics Service website at www.usda.gov/nass/ or call 800-727-9540.