Broiler growers will be surveyed

The survey will be conducted in early 2007 by the department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Economic Research Service.

Selected broiler growers will be contacted by NASS representatives from late-January onwards. Growers will be asked to provide information about various issues including production practices and expenses, risk management strategies and contracting arrangements, amongst others.

The USDA, Congress, industry groups and others will use the data to help make informed decisions for the future of US agriculture.

The USDA said that the survey information would provide the broiler industry with baseline data that can help with mapping out future business strategies and planning responses to potential disease outbreaks and other adverse events.

ARMS is the USDA’s primary source of information on the production practices, resource use and economic well-being of US farm households. ARMS covers a variety of farm commodities, but the 2007 survey will be the first ever for broilers.