2019 USDA Reports Trip
Published
3/18/2019
How many times have you heard someone ask, “Why can’t USDA get it right when it comes to crop production, supply and use numbers?” Yes, we’d all like perfect accuracy but the question suggests they don’t fully understand the specific agencies responsible, the data sources, or the processes used to develop USDA crop reports. It also illustrates a very good reason for a Kansas Farm Bureau member to participate in our USDA Reports Trip.
WHAT
The USDA Reports Trip to Washington DC is a three-day excursion tracing the development and release of USDA Crop Reports. Participants will not only hear from Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service statisticians regarding survey methods and data collection processes but also National Agricultural Statistics Service personnel who will explain how state data is compiled and national estimates are made. The trip is highlighted by a flight to Washington D.C. where the group will have the opportunity to observe the August, “USDA Lock Up," and monthly report to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture regarding U.S. crop production, and world supply and demand.
Topics Include:
- The methodology employed, and data sources used by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to make both state and national estimates of crop acreage, yield and grain stocks;
- The timing of when survey-based crop production data (NASS) is and is not incorporated into World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates, and finally;
- How USDA crop production and use information is used by industry, and why it impacts grain and oilseed prices.
All of this and more is addressed through multiple presentations, tours and Q & A sessions with both state and national USDA personnel, industry experts and AFBF staff.
WHEN
August 10-13, 2019
WHO
The first ten members to register and pay the registration fee. Overall participation is limited to a maximum of ten and a minimum of six.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Beginning at noon CST, on Monday, April 1, 2019, interested Kansas Farm Bureau members can go to the following website www.kfb.org/usdareports and an on-line registration form will be available. After registering, members will be contacted by Commodities Division Staff. Registration will close at the end of May, or when all ten spots are filled, and registration fees paid. Only Farm Bureau members whose membership is current will qualify. When you register, we’ll need your name, address, email address, home and cell numbers, Farm Bureau membership number and county in which you are a member.
IDEA: A County Farm Bureau could sponsor a member by paying a portion (50%) of the registration, using this as a Leadership Development opportunity and/or Agricultural Education event, and asking the member to share what they learned at a later County Farm Bureau sponsored event or Board meeting.
Registration Fees are: Single ($650); Pair* ($950)
*Pairs are required to share motel rooms.
For more information contact:
Mark Nelson
Kansas Farm Bureau
nelsonm@kfb.org
(785) 587-6103
Your registration fee entitles you to a one-night stay in Kansas City, a round-trip flight to Washington DC, two night’s stay in Washington DC, and three group meals as provided by Kansas Farm Bureau. Additional costs to participants include transportation to and from Kansas City, any additional nights stayed in Washington DC, along with other meals and any other miscellaneous travel expenses such as taxis or subways.