ST. PAUL, Minn.
– The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
is encouraging farmers to take part in its annual pesticide and fertilizer use
survey. The 2014 survey is directed to corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay
producers. The data helps MDA track the use
of agricultural chemicals on Minnesota
farms and provides guidance to educational and research programs.
The survey process should begin on approximately April 14
and be completed by April 23. Questions will focus on the 2013 growing season
and survey farmers on best management practices when it comes to nitrogen
application and pesticide rates applied to corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. The
annual survey is completely voluntary and no personal questions are asked of
producers.
The MDA has conducted
this annual survey for the past decade. And while Minnesota
farmers may be getting calls from multiple agencies and companies conducting a
variety of different surveys this time of year, the information gathered from
this survey is critical for research purposes.
The survey is conducted for the MDA
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service
out of their regional offices in Missouri.
If you have questions about the MDA’s annual survey, or if you wish to view results of previous surveys, visit the MDA website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/chemicals/pestfertsurvey.aspx. Producers can also call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 612-327-2607 between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
