What
impact will lower-than-average rainfall and the mild
spring temperatures have on New Jersey Agriculture
in 1999? This is just one of many questions the New
Jersey Agricultural Statistics Service will be asking
growers about 1999 crops planted, hay acreage, and
grain stocks as part of USDA's nationwide crop acreage
and livestock survey.
Beginning
June 1, a sample of 300 New Jersey farm operators
will be asked to report crop acreage planted or to
be planted, grains in storage, and livestock numbers.
While only a fraction of the state's farms are included
in the survey, each farm represents other farms of
similar type and category. To show a true picture
of New Jersey agriculture in 1999, a completed report
for every participating farm , both small and large,
is critical.
As
part of this survey, field interviewers armed with
aerial photographs will also visit a sample of farmers
between June 1 and June 14. Farmers will be asked
to report all the livestock and poultry raised and
crops planted on the land indicated on the photograph.
The
agricultural survey provides the 1999 base for official
USDA crop statistics. According to State Statistician
Vic Tolomeo continued market uncertainties highlight
the need for acreage and livestock information producers
can rely on.
National
survey results will be available on June 30 in the
Acreage report and on July 12 in the Crop Production
report published by USDA. New Jersey statistics will
be reprinted in the July issue of the Farm Facts
newsletter which is available free to any farmer
who requests it. Information is also available on
the Internet at http://www.usda.gov/nass/.
For
further information, contact Vic Tolomeo or Dale
King at (800) 328-0179. |
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