Enhancing Farm Practices Through Survey

By Scout Nelson

This February marks an important period for Minnesota’s agricultural sector as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) conducts its annual pesticide and fertilizer use survey. Focusing on the state's corn and soybean producers, the survey is a critical tool for collecting data on the application of agricultural chemicals on farms throughout Minnesota. This information is invaluable for shaping educational programs and research initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices.

From February 3 to February 26, the MDA, in collaboration with the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, will reach out to farmers to gather detailed information about pesticide and fertilizer usage during the 2024 growing season.

The initiative underscores the department’s commitment to fostering an environment of continuous improvement in farming techniques and policies.

Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary, with assurances that no personal questions will be asked, respecting the privacy of all participants. The process involves calls from the 'Nass Call Center,' recognizable on caller IDs, which is part of a broader effort to engage the agricultural community in meaningful ways.

The results from this survey are not only pivotal for current policy-making and educational endeavors but also provide a historical insight into the evolving practices in chemical use in agriculture.

These insights help in crafting discussions around sustainable farming practices and are made available on the MDA's website for those interested in the broader impact of their participation.

Farmers who have questions about the survey or are interested in the findings from previous surveys can access information through the MDA’s dedicated webpage or by contacting the department directly during extended business hours.

Through this survey, the MDA aims to support the state’s agricultural sector by providing data-driven insights that facilitate informed decision-making and contribute to the overall sustainability of farming in Minnesota.

Photo Credits:minnesota-department-of-agriculture