Anyone get on of these government surveys ?

[2LaneCruzer]

Never received a survey. I lawyer told me that anything you get in the mail has is not legally binding to tell you what to do. There is no way to prove you actually received it. If you sign for it, then it's legally binding, but only if you sign for it. This also why nobody ever gets in trouble for not showing up for a juries summons. There is no way to prove you actually received it.

While that may be true, there may be some instances where personal service is not required and notice by mail is legal notice; e.g., notice of certain kinds of hearings. You best be very circumspect if you choose to ignore them.

 

[MMagis]

While that may be true, there may be some instances where personal service is not required and notice by mail is legal notice; e.g., notice of certain kinds of hearings. You best be very circumspect if you choose to ignore them.

I believe in those instances, notice must be delivered via certified letter.

 

[Gator6x4]

People in my area who receive the forms are receiving some type subsidies, farm property tax breaks or farm equipment tax exempt purchases.

 

[MMagis]

People in my area who receive the forms are receiving some type subsidies, farm property tax breaks or farm equipment tax exempt purchases.

I think those are different surveys, usually from the state. At least the one I've received was. It was different than the federal survey.

 

[smstonypoint]

2015 national agricultural classification survey . From the United States Department of Agriculture .

Got this one in the mail today with a cover letter . I 've lived on my property for over 30 years and never have received one before ( best of recollection ) .

The USDA conducts a Census of Agriculture every five years, the last being in 2012 and the next scheduled for 2017. The National Agricultural Classification Survey is sent out in order to identify folks who qualify for enumeration in the Ag. Census. You only need to have (or normally have) annual sales of $1K to qualify as a "farm" for purposes of the Census.

I tossed it. My mail address is on a 1/4 acre lot in a suburb. The USDA did not show up at my door.

Do you own land elsewhere?

My mailing address is a 3/4 acre lot in SC, but I own a farm in NC. I am on the USDA's list frame of farm owners and have received the Ag. Census forms at my SC address. Part of the farm was in the CRP and I have received cost-share assistance from the NRCS (via EQIP) for conservation projects on my farm.

Occasionally. I think it says they are mandatory to fill out under penalty of law. They do not say that you swear by the data or the accuracy therein however unless it has changed.

GIGO

The Ag. Census and the various surveys conducted by NASS provide a wealth of information to policy makers, university researchers, farmers, and agribusiness firms. Anyone can access the Census and survey results at USDA/NASS QuickStats Ad-hoc Query Tool.

To give an example, every few months someone will initiate a TBN thread asking what he should charge in the way of land rent. The NASS database contains annual average cash rents at the county-level. Although rents vary considerably within counties, the reported averages can provide a benchmark.

Why provide misleading information?

They are trying to get data so they can sell or give to data mining companies. That's the primary purpose of the census these days.

From USDA - NASS, Census of Agriculture - Census of Aquaculture

Will my information be kept confidential?

Absolutely. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual records is also protected from Freedom of Information Act requests.

Steve

 

[murphy1244]

I get a AG or forestry form every two years. Today my forester delivered my Tree Farm sign and told me to hold off going AG till 2017 as the forestry is supposed to jump from 50% to 85% with no 3 year payback if you quit like AG has.

 

[TnAndy]

I get one every couple of years or so. If you toss it, you will get a second response and a BIG warning letter in the packet.

True.....and it goes in the wood stove along with the first one.

This one isn't near as bad as the American Community Survey.....the big ole long intrusive form they send out between Census years. THOSE turkeys must be on commission or something.....they will bug you to death with repeated mailings, phone calls, and attempted visits ( got several "call me" notes taped to my gate).

I finally cussed the last one on the phone like a dog and told them "send me to jail...I'm NOT filling out an unconstitutional request for information". They finally quit.

 

[TnAndy]

Kind of like once you do one phone survey i swear they will be relentless with you after that.

Yeah, when I get a telephone survey, my first question is always "What do I get out of this ? A prize, some money, what ? Because you're getting paid to call me, right ? And the company collecting the information must value it or they wouldn't bother....so HOW COME I'M THE ONLY ONE BEING LEFT OUT ?"

That usually kills the call....ahahahaaaa

 

[grnspot110]

Got one in my deceased mother's name, farm has belonged to me for a year now. It does say "response is voluntary" at the end of the first paragraph! It went into the trash, we'll see!

 

[Opti-Mist]

You guys have all the fun. We never get that crap. Nothing in the mail. Nothing on the phone (we let the answering machine answer all calls from unknown callers) no messages, nothing. I'm feeling neglected, NOT!