USDA Crop Count
Starting in late August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact farmers to get an update on yield prospects for corn and soybeans.
NASS field staff will also begin making counts and measurements in selected fields across Illinois.
“Field counts and measurements are very helpful to our yield forecasting process,” said Mark Schleusener, Illinois State Statistician. “For corn and soybeans, our field staff help us measure ear count, ear weight, pod count, and pod weight. We also use satellite imagery and weather information to assist in setting yield forecast statistics.”
NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law.
