Little Apple Times

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, along with Representative Jim Costa and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, have penned a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, urging the restoration of several National Agricultural Statistics Service reports. In the letter, Mann expressed concern over the cancellation of important reports, stating, “USDA’s decision to cancel the July Cattle Report and discontinue the Cotton Yield Objective Survey and all County Estimates for Crops and Livestock only exacerbates that risk."

Senator Moran also highlighted the significance of these reports, emphasizing that they help farmers and ranchers make informed decisions amidst uncertainties in the market. The letter, supported by various agricultural associations, aims to address the challenges faced by producers in forecasting future demands and managing risks effectively.

Industry leaders have echoed the importance of restoring these reports. Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association, emphasized the critical nature of NASS county estimates for agricultural businesses, stating that the reports contribute to an efficient and nimble supply chain. Similarly, NCBA President Mark Eisele stressed the importance of USDA data for cattle producers and urged the reversal of the decision to cut essential reports.

The National Cotton Council, represented by President and CEO Gary Adams, commended the bipartisan effort to restore vital data for the cotton industry. Additionally, the American Farm Bureau Federation expressed disappointment in the decision to drop crucial reports, with President Zippy Duvall highlighting the importance of transparency in agricultural markets.

Livestock Marketing Association President Mark Barnett emphasized the value of the July Cattle inventory report, urging USDA to reconsider its cancellation. The Beef Alliance, represented by Chairman John Wilson, opposed the decision to cancel the July Cattle Inventory Report, citing its significance for market efficiency in the beef production sector.

Furthermore, Bryan Forester, President of the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association, called for the immediate restoration of discontinued reports to benefit the entire livestock industry. The collective efforts of these industry stakeholders and lawmakers seek to ensure that American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers have access to essential data for informed decision-making.