USDA Gathering Data About On-Farm Labor

Over the next couple of weeks, NASS will conduct its biannual Ag Labor Survey.  The survey looks to collect information about hired labor from more than 2,800 farmers and ranchers across the Pacific Northwest.  Chris Mertz with NASS said they’ll use a variety of methods to get the most accurate information.

“We’ll have some paper questionnaires that get mailed out, producers will have some opportunities to report on-line, that’s an availability.  We’ll have people making phone calls, to see if we can get some information, and we have some people in some situations that will make some appointments and collect information in face-to-face interviews.”

Mertz added the data collected will help growers address the largest expense they have on the operation.

“When you want to talk about what you’re spending for your cost of producing, talking about labor is a good way to measure that.  So, what are you actually paying for your labor?  It [also] gives the people an idea of labor availability.”

Mertz said they will publish survey results in the May 30^th Farm Labor Report.  USDA and the Department of Labor use statistics gathered in this survey to establish minimum wage rates for Ag workers, administer farm labor recruitment and placement service programs as well as assist legislators in determining labor policies.

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