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NASS pilot project aims for earlier planting estimates

The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) is working on a pilot project to provide earlier planting estimates.

Linda Young with NASS says the project in Illinois involves using advanced data technology that complements producer surveys. At the USDA Ag Outlook Forum she said, “Instead of starting with surveys let’s start with remote sensing, administrative data, weather data and then assess where we need survey data to correct for the biases that are always present in these other data.”

Young says they are also focused on providing planting estimates more frequently, especially in times of bad weather. The Illinois pilot study, if successful, could be implemented nationwide.