Click here to register for the 2017 USDA Reports Trip

Hosted by Kansas Farm Bureau, the USDA Reports Trip to Washington D.C., is a three-day excursion (Aug. 8-10) 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.

Registration begins at noon CST, on Mon., April 3, and is open until May 31 or when all ten spots are filled and registration fees paid. Overall participation is limited to a maximum of ten and a minimum of six.

Registration Fees:

  • Single - $650
  • Pair - $920  (Pairs are required to share motel rooms)
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.

    Additional information is available here and by contacting Mark Nelson at (785) 587-6103, nelsonm@kfb.org.

    Click here to register for the 2017 USDA Reports Trip