WASHINGTON, D.C. — Throughout the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey tens of thousands of growers about their 2013 planting intentions. The results of this survey will help all participants in the agriculture sector determine what to expect this growing season after a drought-hampered 2012 season. In addition to grain growers, NASS will also survey thousands of pork producers about their hog and pig inventories and spring farrowing intentions.

“The information we collect from producers during the first two weeks of March establishes a trend that we’re likely to see in  the entire growing season,” said Bob Bass, NASS’ National Operations Division director. “This year, after a weather-plagued 2012 season, it’s more important than ever to understand planting intentions for this year.”

Most survey participants should have received their questionnaires in the mail and can now respond via NASS’s secure website or by filling out and mailing the forms back. Trained NASS interviewers will visit those who do not respond to answer any questions they may have and to help them fill out their survey forms.