Ag Stats Advisory Committee Nominations Being Accepted

Who knew agricultural statistics needed to be advised? 

“People go, what it is?” according to Joe Prusacki  it is NASS’ Advisory Committee on Ag Statistics. 

“Back in the day when the Census Bureau did the Census of Agriculture, they had advisory committee,” Prusacki noted.  “And so when USDA took over the Census of Agriculture, it followed us, and NASS continued that process.” 

With USDA now seeking nominations for the Committee. 

“The group of individuals across wide swath of agriculture could be university types, producers, individuals from advocacy groups and such, and to provide input and such to how NASS should proceed with our survey programs. Are we fulfilling the needs of their clientele and their constituency?” 

FSA administrator, and former Ag stats advisory member, Zach Ducheneaux talks about this group's diverse representation. 

“Folks that were turkey growers, wheat growers, corn growers, a lot of education folks Cattlemen's Beef Board had represented their black farmers had some representation there,” Ducheneaux said.  “I represented Native American interests, Hispanic interests were represented.  We even had some veteran representation.” 

And he reiterates the importance of the committee in assuring active participation and accurate info. Information for end users of NASS, reports and surveys. 

“We have a lot of producers out there who don't feel value in submitting that information to the United States Department of Agriculture through their censuses or surveys, and ironically, those same producers expressed dissatisfaction and discontent when policies are built using imperfect data.” Ducheneaux pointed out.  “They've got to be part of the system.  They've got to be part of this process.  Help us get the right information.  We can help provide better policy and better allocation resources towards what they're actually doing.” 

There are 22 open Committee seats currently available.  Nominations must be submitted by November 20th. Details are available by visiting the USDA’s Website.

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