Any of you get a phone call from the USDA about a survey?

[Becky Litterer]

We got a call late last night from USDA during a survey about what we grow. No problems with that, but when they asked how many we sold of mums, hosta and another perennials. I said I didn't know. Then she said that will be a no response to the survey. What do you think about this? Any concerns if they are asking too much?

[Lynn Kemme]

USDA only calls after you neglected to fill out their mailed survey. Better get used to them asking very detailed questions about your production. Here in Michigan, we are contacted annually by both the state and the fed. (They will visit you if you don't complete it on time)

[Steve]

You have to ask why do they need this info? If it is to determine how much of the taxpayer money is used to invest in our industry that sounds good but if it provides information that makes it easier for would be newcomers to our industry a.k.a. more competition then we would be better off to just send them a blank form back and say thanks but NO THANKS!

[Timothy Lamprey]

A question I would have is, is it really the USDA. Might even be someone trying to figure out how to sell items for less than you do. I'm always leery of phone calls asking for info. It's one of the reasons we have caller Id

[Steve]

I absolutely refuse to fill out these surveys and census info. The problems I have stem from my days on the Farm. Farmers are asked to fill out these surveys all the time. By the time the crops are planted the Government already has printed statistics on how large the National Corn crop is. Since this is public information all the buyers of said corn crop now know how big the crop is. Now all they have to do is watch the weather and the price of that corn crop has already been discounted. I say let'em eat static! I am sure that the government's intentions are noble however the unintended consequences out weigh the benefits!