Starting in January, representatives from the  U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact milk producers across the country to conduct the 2011 Milk Production Survey.

“The information we gather provides a snapshot of the milk production industry in Georgia and the nation, which is why it is very important for all selected producers to participate,” said Doug Kleweno, director of Georgia Field Office. “These data, first and foremost, help the milk producers to determine their production and marketing strategies throughout the year.” The Milk Production survey is a quarterly survey, which gathers information from 202 producers

in Georgia. NASS asks producers to provide the number of milk cows in the herd, number of cows milked and total milk production for the first day of the month. In April and October, information collected includes milk used on the farm for food or drink and the amount fed to calves.  The monthly Milk Production report is relied upon by the dairy industry to project future supplies of milk and milk products. By participating in the survey, milk producers can ensure that the most accurate and timely data are readily available, which ensures sound decision-making.

As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified. Survey results will be published monthly in the Milk Production report and the Milk Production Annual Summary, which will be released in February, 2011. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information please contact Georgia Field Office at 800-253-4419.

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