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Click here to take the survey

Courtesy of USDA:

ISSUE:

Farmers and ranchers find it confusing and complex to participate in USDA programs. At the same time, USDA staff are concerned that farmers and ranchers who could benefit from their programs frequently do not apply. AFBF’s USDA program survey (http://usdaprograms.questionpro.com) collects feedback from U.S. farmers and ranchers on their experience with 10 USDA programs administered through FSA, NRCS and RD.

Do USDA programs work for Farm Bureau members? Now is your chance to let USDA know what you think of their programs. All survey responses will be anonymous. The survey takes <10 minutes to complete.

BACKGROUND:

 AFBF talked with Farm Bureau members and state staff at the 2015 CORE and FUSION conferences. We found that farmers and ranchers are frustrated with many USDA programs because they have confusing eligibility requirements, complex applications and cumbersome reporting. Many of them said they no longer apply for USDA programs.

AFBF has also been approached by USDA staff members who are concerned over low enrollment in their programs and seek specific direction on strategies to improve enrollment. AFBF’s survey is collecting feedback from a wide range of U.S. farmers and ranchers to help AFBF create a series of strategies to improve the USDA programs.

IMPACT:

AFBF can be the national voice of agriculture by speaking on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers concerning what works and doesn’t work in USDA programs. The survey will provide feedback from a wide range of farmers and help AFBF create strategies to improve USDA programs and help them better serve farmers and ranchers. When USDA programs work more efficiently, it will help farmers and ranchers succeed in business (Vision for Action Goal 3, Obj. 3).

AFBF will compile the survey results on a national scale (i.e., agricultural crop, region). Should you wish, AFBF can also break down the survey results by state to provide state Farm Bureaus with more targeted information.

ACTION:

Please go here to take the survey: http://usdaprograms.questionpro.com/