Agriculture FACT BOOK 98: Chapter 11

[Agriculture Fact Book 98]

11. Research, Education, and Economics

Investing in the Future Through Agricultural Research, Education, and Economics

USDA leads the world in basic and applied research, as it looks for ways to solve problems challenging America’s food and fiber production system, and for ways to improve food supply, safety and quality. Five major challenges face U.S. agriculture in the next decade: (1) maintaining an agricultural system that’s highly competitive in the global economy, (2) balancing agricultural production and the environment, (3) providing a safe and secure food supply for all citizens, (4) maintaining a healthy, well-nourished population, and (5) increasing economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of all Americans. USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission helps meet these challenges.

Four USDA agencies make up the mission: the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), the Economic Research Service (ERS), and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Together, these agencies have the Federal responsibility to discover and disseminate knowledge that spans the biological, physical, and social sciences related to agricultural research, economic analysis, statistics, extension, and higher education. The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act, enacted in June 1998, establishes an Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems targeted toward critical emerging agricultural issues related to future food production, environmental protection, or farm income.

Getting Your Money’s Worth. How does the responsibility translate into results that benefit Americans?

In the international trade arena, USDA research is an important tool for stimulating the Nation’s economy. For example, the protocol developed for detecting corn seed bacterial disease early and accurately eliminates foreign quarantine barriers and rejected shipments--keeping markets open for U.S. farm products. Another example: U.S. rice establishes the quality standard for the most important small grain in the world. USDA research advances in agricultural biotechnology can help improve crop quality and yields of rice, as well as reduce losses from pest damage. This helps the United States build an agricultural system that is highly competitive in the global economy.

REE is also rising to the challenge of balancing agricultural production and the environment. For example, USDA agricultural research is behind Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a system that relies on a variety of natural techniques as alternatives to chemical pesticides in order to reduce health risks, sustain natural resources, and create new economic opportunities. USDA’s goal is to have IPM in practice on 75 percent of U.S. agricultural acres by the year 2000. Another example is the research behind the development of biodegradable 100-percent cornstarch cutlery, which is stronger and better for the environment than petroleum-based plastic utensils.

In an effort to meet the challenge of providing a safe and secure food supply for all citizens, USDA scientists created a product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration called PREEMPT. This product can help poultry producers reduce Salmonella contamination in chickens and offers a better and safer product.

REE is delivering on its commitment to a healthy well-nourished population with the production of a substance called Z-trim which can be used in a number of food products as a fat replacement that tastes good.

Delivering the Goods. How does USDA take these technologies and products from the labs to the marketplace?

REE works with land-grant institutions and industry to move research results into the marketplace to boost economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all Americans. REE works in partnership with the State agricultural experiment station system, based at land- grant universities to carry out a balanced program of fundamental and applied research. This critical connection--with extension educators identifying and communicating agricultural, environmental, and community problems to researchers at campuses and experiment stations-- helps to provide cutting edge technologies and new products.

USDA uses Cooperative Research And Development Agreements (CRADAs) to get many of its research accomplishments to farmers, business people, and consumers. Under these agreements, USDA and its private sector partners agree to develop certain technologies jointly so they can be commercialized. With more than 650 such partnerships, USDA leads all Federal research organizations in CRADA activity. CRADAs combine government expertise with entrepreneurial ability, allowing government and small business to do more than they could alone. CRADAs maximize resources and deliver results, giving farmers and consumers products they need, and giving small business and rural America Federal partnerships that enhance products and stimulate the economy.

USDA also collaborates with other Federal Departments on research and technology transfer activities with far-reaching benefits. For example, cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) includes close coordination of human nutrition research done by the two Departments. The CRADAs and the Federal partnerships are examples of how REE can stimulate economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of Americans.

Putting It All Together. To build an informed citizenry, and to provide the information base for market decisions, REE also coordinates economic and social research. This research supports programs and policies across USDA, providing data, information, and economic and statistical analyses on a variety of topics: rural development, the environment and natural resources, food safety, food prices, farm labor, farm income, financial conditions, commodity markets, and international trade. Forecasts and estimates for over 165 different crop and livestock commodities are provided annually to farmers, ranchers, and other agribusinesses. This information helps policymakers, Congress, and the public make informed decisions about issues related to food and fiber production.

REE also focuses on practical education that Americans can use in dealing with critical issues that affect their lives and the Nation’s future by linking research, science, and technology to the needs of people where they live and work. REE offers information on issues ranging from community economic development and health care concerns to food safety, water quality, children, youth and families, and sustainable agriculture. For example, REE programs reach over 5.4 million youth in the United States and the Territories. CSREES’ Families, 4-H, and Nutrition programs empower youth to become responsible contributing members of their communities while the Ag in the Classroom program reaches K-12 students. Programs focus on healthy learning experiences, increased self-esteem, enhanced problem-solving skills, and agricultural literacy. Almost 700,000 volunteers contribute to these programs, which also draw on teachers, State and local government officials, agricultural organizations, and agribusiness, further enhancing their effect.

In a society in which information access is crucial, REE is working with local communities to connect them to the information superhighway. From there, citizens have access to much of the information the four REE agencies generate and to the vast resources available at the National Agricultural Library (NAL)--the largest agricultural library in the world and one of three national libraries of the United States. As the Nation’s chief resource providing agricultural information, NAL offers researchers, educators, policymakers, farmers, consumers, and the general public approximately 48 miles of bookshelves to peruse in a 14-story building, as well as access to the library’s 2 million volumes through its computerized network or electronic bulletin board.

Research--A Sound Investment. REE serves people along the entire food and fiber chain--from the farm gate to the consumer’s kitchen table. Sound science provides new technology and information useful to Americans as well as people all over the world in their daily lives. The REE agencies develop new products and new uses, explore profitable marketing strategies, develop technologies to improve farming and processing efficiency, increase food safety, improve human nutrition, and conserve and enhance natural resources. Studies demonstrate that consumers reap the benefits of investing in agricultural research; every tax dollar invested in the U.S. agricultural system has paid back at least $1.35. Information about the REE mission and its respective agencies--Agricultural Research Service; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Economic Research Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service--is available on the REE World Wide Web home page at http://www.reeusda.gov/ree/

Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ARS research has contributed to improved crop yields and more environmentally sensitive farming techniques. But the impact of ARS research extends far beyond the farm gate. Agricultural research is as much about human health as it is about growing corn.

For example, ARS recently developed a fat substitute called Oatrim. Not only does this technology benefit farmers by providing a new use for oats, it also enables processors to produce tastier low-fat foods. Consumers may reap the biggest benefits: Oatrim-rich diets lower the bad (LDL) type of cholesterol without decreasing the good (HDL) type, and they improve glucose tolerance.

ARS research is also as much about development of industrial products such as printing ink from soybeans and other crops as it is about development of high-yielding wheat varieties. And like Oatrim, printing inks made from 100-percent soybean oil instead of petroleum solve more than one problem. Unlike petroleum, soybeans are a renewable resource, and this technology diversifies markets for soybean farmers and choices for ink manufacturers and printers.

ARS research provides solutions to a wide range of problems related to agriculture—problems that require long-term commitment of resources or that are unlikely to have solutions with a quick commercial payoff that would tempt private industry to do the research. These problems range from fighting the ongoing battle to protect crops and livestock from costly pests and diseases, to improving quality and safety of agricultural commodities and products for humans, to making the best use of natural resources. All the while, the research results must help ensure profitability for producers and processors while keeping costs down for consumers.

ARS: A Year in Research: Selected Highlights

Development of Biodegradable Lubricants
Petroleum-based products that are currently in use are not biodegradable, and they often contaminate the environment or become a disposal problem. With a new process developed by ARS scientists in Peoria, Illinois, vegetable oils can now yield biodegradable lubricants that are environmentally friendly.
Development of Improved Varieties of Cotton Germplasm
ARS scientists at Stoneville, Mississippi, completed several years of field tests showing that okra- leaf cotton plants are better suited for a lower level of pesticide application than had been previously used. Once transferred into commercial varieties, the okra-leaf trait is expected to contribute significantly to decreased pesticide use.
Reducing Imported Fire Ant Population
ARS scientists at the South American Biological Control Laboratory in Argentina have been collaborating with ARS researchers in Gainesville, Florida, in testing natural control agents that have demonstrated promise in reducing the imported fire ant populations.
Linking Age-Associated Changes in Behavior to Oxidative Stress
ARS scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University indicate that one of the major sites of action of oxidative stress is the membrane of neurological cells. Research showed that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables might prevent or reverse such neurological stress.
Improving Nutrient Management by Using Remote Sensing and Precision Applications
ARS researchers in Morris, Minnesota, are conducting on-farm testing of a computer model that considers interactions between soil type and growing season climate conditions in adjusting midsummer application of fertilizers. Precision application of nutrients will lead to reduced nutrient applications and lower off-site concentrations of nutrients in water.
Using Biological Control Agents To Reduce the Invasive Weed Leafy Spurge
ARS scientists in Sidney, Montana, and Montpelier, France, in cooperation with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, have identified, tested, and released several beneficial spurge feeding insects into North America. Ranchers and farmers, along with Federal, State, and local land managers, are now using these insects to control leafy spurge over vast areas of range and pasture land.
Reducing Human Lyme Disease Risk
Scientists at Livestock Insects Research Laboratory at Kerrville, Texas, developed and patented the self-treatment device that controls ticks on both antlered and antlerless white-tailed deer. This technology is currently being used in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland to reduce the risk of humans being infected by ticks carrying Lyme disease.

For more information about ARS, see its home page: http://www.ars.usda.gov

National Agricultural Library

Established in 1862 under legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln, the National Agricultural Library (NAL) is one of four national libraries of the United States (with the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Library of Education).

The NAL mission is to ensure and enhance access to agricultural information for a better quality of life. The library serves national and international customers, including researchers, educators, policymakers, information providers, agricultural producers, students, and the general public.

NAL is the largest agricultural library in the world--with over 3.3 million items in its collection and 48 miles of bookshelves. Tens of thousands of new items are added to the collection each year. Materials date back several hundred years and include books, journals, reports, theses, photographs, films, videotapes, maps, artwork, artifacts, software, laser discs, CD-ROMs, and more. The library also receives about 22,000 periodicals annually. The collection is international in scope and includes items in nearly 40 foreign languages.

Located in Beltsville, Maryland, NAL is part of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. In addition to being a national library, NAL is the departmental library for USDA, serving thousands of USDA employees around the world. NAL is a key resource of USDA scientific and research activities.

About 200 people work at NAL including librarians, computer specialists, information specialists, administrators, and clerical personnel. A number of volunteers ranging from college students to retired persons work on various programs at the library too. NAL also has an active visiting scholar program, which allows professors, scientists and librarians from universities worldwide to work full-time at NAL on projects of mutual interest.

AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access) is NAL's bibliographic database providing quick access to the NAL collection. AGRICOLA contains more than 3.3 million citations to agricultural literature and is available on the World Wide Web through the NAL home page at http://www.nal.usda.gov

NAL works closely with the nationwide network of State land-grant university libraries on programs to improve access to and maintenance of the Nation's agricultural knowledge. This is being done more and more through application of new electronic information technology (the Internet and World Wide Web, CD-ROMs, laser discs, etc.). NAL has gained international recognition as a leader in this area.

NAL maintains specialized information centers in areas of particular concern to the agricultural community. These centers provide a wide range of customized information services such as responding to specific reference requests, developing informational materials, coordinating outreach activities, and establishing information exchange and dissemination networks. Subjects covered by NAL information centers include alternative farming systems, animal welfare, food and nutrition, plant genome, technology transfer for rural information (including rural health), and water quality.

For walk-in visitors, the library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Many of NAL's services are available at anytime through the NAL home page.

NAL can be contacted at:
The National Agricultural Library
Agricultural Research Service, USDA
10301 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
(301) 504-5755
E-mail: agref@nal.usda.gov

NAL: Selected Highlights

Expanding Access to Information Resources
Through its Electronic Media Center, NAL provides ARS scientists with desktop computer access to over 30 databases pertaining to the agricultural and related sciences, enabling users to operate more efficiently by searching their own databases without leaving their offices.
Ensuring Long Term Access to Agricultural Information
NAL, in collaboration with other Government agencies and land-grant universities, convened a conference to address the electronic preservation of USDA digital publications and developed a preliminary preservation plan. NAL's accomplishments in preserving USDA paper and digital publications will ensure that these materials will not be lost to future generations.
Expanding the Agriculture Network Information Center (AgNIC) Gateway to Electronic Information Relating to Agriculture.
AgNIC is a distributed information network on the Internet that was created by NAL and land- grant universities to provide access to online reference services. Additional services and databases are continually added to AgNIC, increasing its usefulness to the agricultural community.
Making USDA History Collection Available for Research
Since the transfer of the USDA history collection to NAL in 1997, the library has organized and rehoused the entire collection. The collection is now being frequently used for research and reference purposes by USDA employees and the general public.
NAL Database Available on the Web AGRICOLA, NAL’s bibliographic database of over 3.3 million records on the literature of agriculture, is now available on the World Wide Web through the NAL homepage at http://www.nal.usda.gov This allows access via the Web to the NAL collection at any time, anywhere, and to anyone.

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) unites the research and higher education functions of the former USDA Cooperative State Research Service and the education and outreach functions of the former Extension Service.

CSREES links the research and education resources and activities of USDA, resulting in better customer service and an enhanced ability to respond to emerging issues and national priorities.

In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES advances a global system of research, higher education, and extension in the food and agricultural sciences and related environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the Nation.

CSREES programs increase scientific knowledge and provide key access to this knowledge; strengthen the research, higher education, and extension capabilities of land-grant and other institutions; increase access to and use of improved communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking by producers, families, communities, and other customers that leads to a better quality of life and a brighter future.

CSREES is committed to improving economic, environmental, and social conditions in the United States and globally. These conditions include improved agricultural productivity and development of new products; safer, cleaner food, water, and air; enhanced stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier and more responsible individuals, families, and communities; and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply.

Partnership

The CSREES international research, education, and extension network is strengthened by partnerships that maximize resources and program impact. A wide spectrum of partners includes other USDA agencies, Federal and State government departments, nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities. Working with the land-grant universities and their representatives is critical to the effective shared planning, delivery, and accountability for research, higher education and extension programs. CSREES partners include:

Over 130 colleges of agriculture, including land-grant institutions in each State and territory,
59 agricultural experiment stations,
57 cooperative extension services,
63 schools of forestry,
16 1890 historically black land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University,
27 colleges of veterinary medicine,
42 schools and colleges of family and consumer sciences,
29 1994 Native American land-grant institutions,
160 Hispanic-serving institutions,
Federal and State governments, and
Nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Programs

CSREES research, education, and extension leadership is provided through programs in Plant and Animal Production, Protection, and Processing; Natural Resources and Environment; Rural, Economic, and Social Development; Families, 4-H, and Nutrition; Partnerships; Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management; Science and Education Resources Development; and Communications, Technology, and Distance Education.

Advanced Communication Technology

CSREES is a recognized leader in helping the Nation build the National Information Infrastructure (NII) for agriculture. Cutting edge technologies and applications are used to provide critical community access to the research, education, and extension knowledge that empowers citizens to be active participants in reshaping society and solving complex problems at the local level. CSREES enables access to education through interactive distance education programs that relate to the variety of ways people learn. With all State extension system offices and 75 percent of county offices interconnected via interactive communication technology, CSREES is able to respond in a timely and credible manner to critical issues and public needs.

What is CSREES?

5.4 million youth involved in 4-H programs that increase self-esteem and enhance problem- solving skills in a positive, supportive environment
Managing Change in Agriculture, a national initiative to help U.S. agricultural producers respond to profound changes in how food is produced, processed, distributed, and marketed in the United States and globally
The National Research Initiative supporting research in the biological, physical, and social sciences to solve key agricultural and environmental problems
Over 9,600 local extension agents working in 3,150 counties
Over 9,500 scientists conducting research at 59 State agricultural experiment stations
Immediate electronic access to vital disaster safety and recovery information in time critical disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods
Higher education programs based on national needs to develop the scientific and professional expertise required to advance the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems and maintain excellence in college and university teaching programs
World Wide Web access to USDA research and agricultural statistics
3 million trained volunteers working with national outreach education programs
Cutting-edge research programs on value-added product development, plant and animal genome, integrated pest management, water quality, human nutrition, food safety, and animal and plant systems
Model education programs in sustainable agriculture; water quality; food safety; children, youth and families; health; environmental stewardship; distance education; and community economic development

CSREES: Selected Highlights

Increasing Registration of Pest Control Agents for Minor-Use Crops
Accomplishments include the registration of a herbicide used for broadleaf weed control on cucumbers. Scientists at Washington State estimate a savings of $1 million in herbicide and labor costs on 2,500 acres of the crop grown in that State, and potential savings are much higher, when nationwide cucumber production is considered.
Extending the Shelf-Life of Fresh-Cut Fruit
Researchers at University of California, Davis, are carrying out a study supported by the National Research Initiative (NRI) that will determine the effects of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations on fruit tissue browning. This knowledge will be used to improve packaging and handling of fresh-cut fruits, leading to increased availability of these products for consumers and expanded markets for producers.
Incorporating the Impact of Rapid Manufacturing Growth on Food Imports
Agricultural economists at Purdue University in Indiana received an NRI grant to study the relationship among different economic sectors in the balance of trade. The results showed that restricting imports of manufactured fiber products and textiles into North America had indirect impacts on NAFTA's potential level of exports. Ultimately, the research showed that imposing trade restrictions in one sector of the economy can have dire consequences in another.
Establishing Networks To Enhance the Understanding of Risk Management Alternatives
Extension specialists are conducting educational programs to help producers and agribusinesses meet the added responsibility of risk management they face as a result of the 1996 Farm Bill, increasingly global markets, the changing structure of agriculture, and the use of new and unproven technologies. State extension agents are communicating with USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) personnel to determine the appropriate risk management alternatives.
Developing and Facilitating Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Training
Representatives from Texas A&M University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Kansas State University collaborated with employees of the Food and Drug Administration and USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in developing state planning strategies for HACCP training and education. Such efforts are considered essential for supporting the President's Food Safety Initiative.
Improving Nutrition Education Instruction
Extension nutrition educators at the University of Massachusetts have enhanced the quality of nutrition education supported by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). After completing the program, EFNEP participants increased their consumption of nutritious foods, and made improvements in food purchasing and meal preparation.
Providing Education for Environmental Project
In Connecticut, Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) programs have sparked changes in local public policy and environmental stewardship. Municipal plans for conservation and development, zoning regulations, and subdivision requirements have been changed to address water resource protection. Watershed management plans have been initiated, and neighboring towns have pledged to work together through watershed conservation compacts. Development designs have been altered to better protect waterways.

For Further Information About CSREES Programs and Services:
Contact your local county extension office (offices are listed under local government in the telephone directory), a land-grant university, or the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-0900. Telephone: 202-720-3029, Fax: 202-690-0289, Internet: csrees@reeusda.gov or World Wide Web: http://www.reeusda.gov

Did You Know?

Agriculture is one of the three most hazardous U.S. occupations. CSREES-supported farm safety education programs in all 50 States and Puerto Rico teach volunteer firefighters and rescue crews how to respond to farm accidents, certify training for the safe operation of tractors and other machinery, and instill in children a general awareness of farm hazards including poisons, all- terrain vehicles, and other equipment.

The CSREES Integrated Pest Management program uses a sustainable approach that manages crop pests through biological, cultural, physical, and chemical procedures to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks.

The CSREES Agricultural Telecommunications Program, established in the 1990 Farm Bill, helps universities develop agricultural telecommunications capacity by funding projects in support of formal and nonformal courses, faculty and staff education, program delivery, community-based access to education, student training in food and agricultural careers, facilitation of scientific interaction, and expansion of agricultural markets for farmers.

CSREES international programs are building democracy through agriculture in Poland, Armenia, Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine by providing the education and technical assistance needed to help these countries make the transition to a market economy.

The CSREES Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps limited-resource youth, pregnant teens, and families with young children in all 50 States and 6 territories improve their nutritional well-being and make better use of their food dollars, which decreases the number of families participating in the Food Stamp and WIC Programs.

CSREES collaborates with the Children's Nutrition Research Center, College of Medicine at Baylor University to improve the nutrition education provided from kindergarten through grade 12 and to link the medical, research, extension, and education communities.

The CSREES AgrAbility project provides on-farm assistance to over 2,000 farmers with disabilities and educates agricultural, rehabilitation, and health professionals on safely accommodating disability in agriculture.

CSREES is a leader in developing training programs for public and private pesticide applicators that combine education with new technology to minimize pesticide drift. Current pesticide applicator programs train over half a million people each year on the safe and environmentally sound use of pesticides.

CSREES promotes research and development of industrial products that are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, recyclable, and manufactured from renewable resources grown domestically.

CSREES water quality programs include Farm*A*Syst, an award-winning national water pollution prevention program which conducts surface and ground water audits, and the Blue Thumb Project, which brings water education into the community and empowers local residents to address their own water problems. {END BOX}

Economic Research Service

As the Department’s economic research agency, the Economic Research Service (ERS) provides information and analysis that is used by public officials in developing, administering, and evaluating agricultural and rural policies and programs, as well as by farmers and consumers. ERS has recently analyzed and reported on the economics of issues and decisions associated with trade liberalization, food assistance, climate change, rural credit, water quality, vertical coordination in agricultural industries, rural empowerment zones, U.S. agricultural productivity, new meat inspection systems, nutrition information, exports of U.S. farm products, rural population trends, and food safety concerns.

Overall, the scope of the ERS research and monitoring program covers a broad spectrum including the following areas:

Domestic and international agriculture
Nutrition education and food assistance, food safety regulation, determinants of consumer demand for quality and safety of food, and food marketing trends and developments
Agricultural resource and environmental issues
National, rural, and agricultural conditions affecting the rural economy, the financial performance of the farm sector, and the implications of changing farm credit and financial market structures

ERS-produced information is available to the public through research reports, situation and outlook reports, electronic media, newspapers, magazines, radio, and frequent participation of ERS staff at public forums. In addition, ERS publishes several periodicals, including Agricultural Outlook, FoodReview, Rural Conditions and Trends, and Rural Development Perspectives. All such ERS reports are available through a variety of formats. Printed reports can be ordered through the ERS-NASS sales desk at 1-800-999-6779. Many reports, data bases, and other types of information are available on the ERS web site at www.ers.usda.gov and the ERS AutoFax system at 202-694-5700.

National Agricultural Statistics Service

The mission of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is to serve the basic agricultural and rural data needs of the people of the United States, those working in agriculture, and those living in rural communities by objectively providing important, usable, and accurate statistical information and services needed to make informed decisions.

NASS headquarters is located in Washington, DC, while the 45 State Statistical Offices (SSO’s) cover 120 crops and 45 livestock items annually in the 50 States. Current and historical information is published in approximately 400 reports, which feature:

Crop acreage, yield, production, and grain stocks,
Livestock, dairy, and poultry production and prospects,
Chemical use in agriculture, including post-harvest applications on selected crops,
Labor use and wage rates,
Farms and land in farms, and
Prices, costs, and returns.

An abundance of agricultural information is available to data users through NASS programs. In addition to the information above, estimates on more specialized commodities, including hop stocks, mink, cherries, cranberries, lentils, and peppermint oil, are also available. The information is geared toward producers and can help them plan planting, feeding, breeding, and marketing programs. The data are also used by agricultural organizations, services, and businesses; trade groups; and financial institutions to determine demand for inputs, resources, transportation, and crop and livestock products related to storage. In addition, the data are used to make and carry out agricultural policy concerning farm program legislation, commodity programs, agricultural research, and rural development.

Most estimates are based on information gathered from producers surveyed through personal and telephone interviews or through mailed questionnaires. In addition, for major crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, and cotton, in-the-field counts and measurement of plant development are made in top producing States. Other estimates are based on surveys of grain elevators, hatcheries, and other agribusinesses, as well as on administrative data such as slaughter records.

Data collected from these varied sources are summarized by the NASS SSO serving that State and sent to the agency’s Agricultural Statistics Board in Washington, DC, whose members determine and issue State and national official estimates.

Census of Agriculture

In 1997, NASS’s statistics program was enhanced through the addition of the 5-Year Census of Agriculture, previously administered by the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau. This will broaden the scope of agricultural statistics available through the agency. Results from the 1997 Census of Agriculture survey will be available in print and electronically in early 1999.

The census is a complete accounting of U.S. agricultural production and the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the Nation. The 1997 Census of Agriculture survey results will include data on land use and ownership, operator characteristics, crops, machinery and equipment, livestock, fertilizer, poultry, chemicals, market value of products, energy expenditures, irrigated land, production expenses, type of organization, farm programs, and corporate structure.

For More Information:

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Dir., Information Staff  301-504-1638 Rm 2251,   5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
     Sandy Miller Hays   shays@ars.arsusda.gov        Beltsville, MD 20735
                                                      FAX 301-504-1648        
 Current Info Br. Chief  301-504-1626 Rm 2208,        5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
   Jim DeQuattro (Acting)jdequatt@asrr.arsusda.gov    Beltsville, MD 20735
                                                      FAX 301-504-1641
 Chief, Info. Products   301-504-1660 Rm 2234,        5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
   and Service Branch	 rcoy@asrr.arsusda.gov          Beltsville, MD 20735
     Ruth Coy                                         FAX 301-504-1641
 Nat'l Visitor Ctr Head  301-504-9403 Bldg 302, BARC-E,   Beltsville, MD 20705
     John Kucharski      nvs@asrr.arsusda.gov         FAX 301-504-8069
 FOIA Officers           301-504-1640 Rm 2248b,       5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
     Valerie Herberger   vherberg@asrr.arsusda.gov    FAX 301-504-1641
     Stasia Hutchison    301-504-1655 Rm 2248a,       5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
                         hutchisn@asrr.arsusda.gov    FAX 301-504-1641
FIELD OFFICE
ARS Infor., USDA-ARS     309-681-6534                 1815 N. University St.
Nat'l Center for Agricultural Utilization             Peoria, IL 61604
                                                      FAX 309-681-6690
ARS Infor., USDA-ARS     510-559-6070                 800 Buchanan St.
Western Regional Research Center                      Albany, CA. 94710
                                                      FAX 510-559-58820

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY

Public Affairs Officer   301-504-6778  204-NAL        Beltsville, MD 20705
     Brian Norris        bnorris@nal.usda.gov         FAX 301-504-5472
 Library Services        301-504-5755  1Flr-NAL       Beltsville, MD 20705
  (reference, lending, etc.)
 FOIA Officer            301-504-1640 Rm 2248b,       5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
     Valerie Herberger   vherberg@asrr.arsusda.gov    FAX 301-504-1641
     Stasia Hutchison    301-504-1655 Rm 2248a,       5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
                         hutchisn@asrr.arsusda.gov    FAX 301-504-1641
                         
NAL TDD/TTY       301-504-6856
DCRC TDD/TTY      202-720-3434
 Information Centers Branch
                            30l-504-5414  304-NAL     Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    @nal.usda.gov             FAX 301-504-6409
 Agricultural Trade and Marketing Information Center
     Mary Lassanyi          30l-504-5509  304-NAL     Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    mlassany@nal.usda.gov     FAX 301-504-6409
 Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
     Jane Gates             301-504-5724  304-NAL     Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    jgates@nal.usda.gov       FAX 301-504-6409
 Animal Welfare Information Center
     Jean Larson            301-504-5215  304-NAL     Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    jlarson@nal.usda.gov      FAX 301-504-7125
 Food and Nutrition Information Center
     Vacant                 301-504-5719   304-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    fnic@nal.usda.gov         FAX 301-504-6409
 Rural Information Center   301-504-5372   304-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
     Patricia John          pjohn@nalusda.gov         FAX 301-504-5181
 Rural Information Center
    DC area & International 301-504-5547   304-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
    All other U.S. calls    1-800-633-7701 304-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
 Reference & User Service Branch
     Leslie Kulp            301-504-6875   4Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    lkulp@nal.usda.gov        FAX 301-504-7098
 Reference Section
     Alvetta Pindell        301-504-5204   100-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    apindell@nal.usda.gov     FAX 301-504-6927
 Reference Desk
     Librarian on Duty      301-504-5479   1Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    agref@nal.usda.gov        FAX 301-504-6927
 Grain Dust Project
     Sheldon Cheney 	    301-504-5204   100-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    scheney@nal.usda.gov      FAX 301-504-6927
 Russian Wheat Aphids Project
     Wayne Olson            301-504-5204   100-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    wolson@nal.usda.gov       FAX 301-504-6927
 Educational Programs Unit
     Deborah Richardson     301-504-5204   100-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    drichard@nal.usda.gov     FAX 301-504-6927
 Tours and Demonstrations
     Deborah Richardson     301-504-5204   100-NAL    Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    drichard@nal.usda.gov     FAX 301-504-6927
                    	    rdobert@nal.usda.gov      FAX 301-504-7098
 Plant Genome Data and Infor. Center
     Susan McCarthy         301-504-6875   4Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    pgenome@nal.usda.gov      FAX 301-504-7098
 Special Collections Program
     Susan Fugate           301-504-6503   3Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    speccoll@nal.usda.gov     FAX 301-504-5675
 Technology Transfer Infor. Center
     Kathleen Hayes 	    301-504-6875   4Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    khayes@nal.usda.gov       FAX 301-504-7098
 Water Quality Information Center
     Joseph Makuch  	    301-504-6875   4Flr-NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                    	    jmakuch@nal.usda.gov      FAX 301-504-7098
 D.C. Reference Center
     Janet Wright           202-720-3434   Rm1052-S   Washington, DC 20250
                            jwright@nal.usda.gov      FAX 202-720-3200
 Global Change  
     Roberta Rand           202-504-6684   Rm013NAL   Beltsville, MD 20705
                            rrand@nal.usda.gov        FAX 202-504-7098

COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE

Dep Admin, Comm., Tech.   
  and Distance Education    202-720-6133  Rm 3328-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Barbara A. White       bwhite@reeusda.gov        FAX 202-690-0289
Distance Education          202-720-6133  Rm 3328-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Barbara A. White       bwhite@reeusda.gov        FAX 202-690-0289
Senior OIRM Officer         202-720-4241  Rm 3328-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Curtis Clark           cclark@reeusda.gov        FAX 202-401-5174
Dir. Comm/Info Access       202-720-2677  Rm 3334-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Terry Meisenbach       tmeisenbach@reeusda.gov   FAX 202-690-0289
Media Relations-News        202-720-1358  Rm 3320-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Len Carey      	    lcarey@reeusda.gov        FAX 202-690-0289
Media Relations-Features    202-720-8188  Rm 3324-S   Washington, DC 20250
     Marti Asner            masner@reeusda.gov        FAX 202-690-0289
FOIA Officers               301-504-1640 Rm 2248b,    5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1       
     Valerie Herberger      vherberg@asrr.arsusda.gov FAX 301-504-1641
     Stasia Hutchison       301-504-1655 Rm 2248a,    5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
                            hutchisn@asrr.arsusda.gov FAX 301-504-1641

ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE

Chief, Publishing &         202-694-5120 Rm S-2018    1800 M St., NW
Communications              acuster@econ.ag.gov       Washington,DC 20036-5831
     Adrie Custer                                     FAX 202-694-5638
Media Services              202-694-5119 Rm S-2042    1800 M St., NW
     Jack Harrison          jack@econ.ag.gov          Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
Outlook                     202-694-5116 Rm S-2043    1800 M St., NW
     Diane Decker           ddecker@econ.ag.gov       Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
Periodicals/Annual Rpts     202-694-5121 Rm S-2042    1800 M St., NW
    Linda Hatcher           lhatcher@econ.ag.gov      Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
Research Publishing         202-694-5129 Rm S-2038    1800 M St., NW
     Thomas McDonald        thomasm@econ.ag.gov       Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
Design and Technology       202-694-5131 Rm S-2013    1800 M St., NW
     Douglas Parry          dparry@econ.ag.gov        Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
ERS Information Center      202-694-5050 Rm S-3100    1800 M St., NW
     Publications Dist.     service@econ.ag.gov       Washington,DC 20036-5831
                                                      FAX 202-694-5638
FOIA Coordinators           301-504-1640 Rm 2248b,    5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1      
     Valerie Herberger      vherberg@asrr.arsusda.gov FAX 301-504-1641
     Stasia Hutchison       301-504-1655 Rm 2248a,    5601 Sunnyside Ave., Bldg.1
                            hutchisn@asrr.arsusda.gov FAX 301-504-1641

There are a variety of ways to obtain NASS reports, data products, and services:

Reports/Publications Sales Order Desk 1-800-999-6779 FAX:703-321-8547
(Free catalog available upon request)

Internet World Wide Web: http://www.usda.gov/nass/
Gopher Site/Telenet/FTP: HOST=usda.mannlib.cornell.edu

NASSFax (Autofax)202-720-2000
(To obtain current U. S. summary pages and highlights of selected reports, pick up the receiver on your facsimile machine, dial the number, listen and follow the voice prompts. Ask for Document Number 0411 for a completelisting of NASS reports/highlights available from the autofax.)

Information Hotline 1-800-727-9540 FAX: 202-690-2090
For general agricultural statistics or furtherinformation about NASS or its products or services
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. M-F nass@nass.usda.gov

Census of Agriculture Information 1-800-523-3215 FAX: 301-763-8499
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F nass@nass.usda.gov

CONTACTS:
Agricultural Statistics Board Release Schedule
William Pratt 202-720-7017 Rm. 5805-S Washington, DC 20250
Bpratt@nass.usda.gov FAX 202-690-1311

Census Division
Statistical Methods and Programming 301-763-8559
Census Planning and Analysis 301-763-8565

Forecasts and Estimates
U.S. and State crop statistics 202-720-2127
U.S. and State livestock, dairy,
and poultry statistics 202-720-6146
U.S. and State farm and labor statistics 202-720-3570

Statistical Consulting and Surveys 202-720-4557
Reimbursable Public Agricultural Surveys 202-720-2248
Statistical Research 703-235-7511

NASS Freedom of Information Officer
Valerie Herberger 301-504-1640 Stasia Hutchison 301-504-1655

State-Specific Agricultural Statistics nass-**@nass.usda.gov
(Replace asterisks with State code, such as AL for Alabama)

State and Telephone No.
Alabama(Montgomery, AL) Alaska(Palmer, AK) Arizona(Phoenix, AZ) Arkansas(Little Rock, AR) California(Sacramento, CA) Colorado(Lakewood, CO) Delaware(Dover, DE) Florida(Orlando, FL) Georgia(Athens, GA) Hawaii(Honolulu, HI) Idaho(Boise, ID) Illinois(Springfield, IL) Indiana(West Lafayette, IN) Iowa(Des Moines, IA) Kansas(Topeka, KS) Kentucky(Louisville, KY) Louisiana(Baton Rouge, LA) Maryland(Annapolis, MD) Michigan(Lansing, MI) Minnesota(St. Paul, MN) Mississippi(Jackson, MS) Missouri(Columbia, MO)	334-279-3555 907-745-4272 602-280-8850 501-296-9926 916-498-5161 303-236-2300 302-739-4811 407-648-6013 706-546-2236 808-973-2907 208-334-1507 217-492-4295 765-494-8371 515-284-4340 913-233-2230 502-582-5293 504-922-1362 410-841-5740 517-377-1831 612-296-2230 601-965-4575 573-876-0950	Montana(Helena, MT) Nebraska(Lincoln, NE) Nevada(Reno, NV) New England(Concord, NH) New Jersey(Trenton, NJ) New Mexico(Las Cruces, NM) New York(Albany, NY) North Carolina(Raleigh, NC) North Dakota(Fargo, ND) Ohio(Reynoldsburg, OH) Oklahoma(Oklahoma City, OK) Oregon(Portland, OR) Pennsylvania(Harrisburg, PA) South Carolina(Columbia, SC) South Dakota(Sioux Falls, SD) Tennessee(Nashville, TN) Texas(Austin, TX) Utah(Salt Lake City, UT) Virginia(Richmond, VA) Washington(Olympia, WA) West Virginia(Charleston, WV) Wisconsin(Madison, WI) Wyoming(Cheyenne, WY	406-441-1240 402-437-5541 702-784-5584 603-224-9639 609-292-6385 505-522-6023 518-457-5570 919-856-4394 701-239-5306 614-728-2100 405-525-9226 503-326-2131 717-787-3904 803-765-5333 605-330-4235 615-781-5300 512-916-5581 801-524-5003 804-771-2493 360-902-1940 304-345-5958 608-224-4848 307-772-2181