News Article
Starting in February, NASDA field enumerators headed to farms nationwide to conduct the TOTAL/ARMS3 survey – part of USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey. This survey gathers important data on farm finances, including income, expenses, debt and family finances. In addition, the survey includes the Tenure, Ownership and Transition of Agricultural Land survey, which gathers detailed data on land tenure and records all land rented out for agricultural use.
The ARMS/TOTAL survey is the only survey that provides a comprehensive view of the farm economy. This information helps policymakers understand the true costs and challenges of farming which in turn informs the design of subsidies, disaster relief and other farm support programs.
Farmers and ranchers benefit directly from the survey. By comparing their financial data with national averages, they can make more informed decisions about their operations. Meanwhile, researchers and economists use the data to analyze trends in farm profits and the overall economic health of rural communities, ensuring agriculture remains resilient and prepared for future challenges.
Since 1972, NASDA has partnered with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to employ enumerators nationwide to collect high-quality agricultural data and amplify the voices of farmers and ranchers in shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities. For more information about the survey, please visit the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service website.
