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Texas Farmers Most Responsive to Ag Surveys

Photo/Texas AgriLife Extenion
Photo/Texas AgriLife Extenion

Texas continues to be among the few states whose farmers respond to national agriculture surveys. 

A recent report by Harvest Public Media says that’s important because agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, university extension services, and the Federal Reserve rely on voluntary data from surveys  to develop reports and understand markets and pricing. Ultimately, farm policies are built by congress from data received on these surveys.

But Texas farmers are a rarity. A look at this week’s Crop Progress report from the USDA’s National Statistics Serviceshows key data from several states is underreported or outright missing. The report keeps track of crops planted and soil conditions.

Texas is the only state reporting data in every relevant category. 

Scott Morgan has been an award-winning journalist since 2001. His work has appeared in several newspapers and magazines as well as online. He has also been an editor, freelancer, speaker, writing teacher, author, and podcaster.