Don’t Miss the Feb. 10 Deadline | by Shannon Peterson

If you read other ag blogs or visit other agriculture websites, you’ve probably heard this message already. Even so, it merits repeating.

You recently received the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey in the mail. Please fill it out and return it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) by Feb. 10.

Why?

Well, first and foremost, you are required by law to respond.

But, additionally, the timely, accurate, and useful statistics from this survey are critically important to growers, the irrigation industry, farm organizations, funding sources, and others involved in agriculture.

Here at Valley_®, we use the survey data to explain irrigation efficiencies. We use it to demonstrate the commitment of irrigators to the conservation of our most valuable resource. We use it to defend irrigation practices, farmers, and our products. And we use it to refute false statements that appear in media coverage and elsewhere.

The survey results also aid in the development of improved technology, better equipment, and more efficient water-use practices.

According to the NASS:

• This survey provides the only comprehensive information on irrigation activities and water use across American farms, ranches, and horticultural operations.
• It provides information on water sources and amount of water used, acres irrigated by type of system, irrigation and yield by crop, and system investments and energy costs.
• Approximately 35,000 producers across the United States will participate in the survey.
• The results help develop and promote efficient irrigation practices and ensure long-term sustainability of water resources.
• Your responses will not be shared with anyone, including other government agencies, under threat of subpoena.

Your voice matters and your participation is vitally important.

So, fill it out and send it in.

---

Shannon Peterson Marketing Content Editor Shannon joined Valley Irrigation in 2013. She enjoys traveling with her family, particularly to national parks, and she occasionally writes about her travels for travel magazines. Shannon also likes reading, trying new restaurants, seeing movies, and watching Husker football and Creighton basketball. However, she and her husband spend most of their free time chauffeuring their teenage son to activities and chasing their baby daughter.