Well, I think we're talking about the survey form as well as having YOUR farm made one of the benchmark farms used for USDA data analysis.

I believe that not everyone participating in USDA programs (is that what you mean by little yellow envelopes?) gets a survey form...is that right? Wouldn't 100% data be better?

I believe that not every farm gets "chosen" as a benchmark (they physically inspect your crop 4x annually, I believe). Why not every one?

Are you suggesting that IF you participate in US Govt (=you/me) funded USDA projects that it should be mandatory that you participate in USDA surveys & field inspections? So-why don't they just have FSA do it now?

Again, in this day & age of Google Earth, infrared, private ProFarmer tours (they check withOUT your approval!!) etc etc, does the USDA stuff mean anything to anyone? I see even Ray Jenkins went out & spent some $$ on gas doing his own tour. Why not wait for govt report?