USDA Shakes Up Surveys: More Cotton, Less Citrus Chats
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is updating its crop and livestock surveys to keep data fresh and useful. They’re bringing back the Cotton survey, stopping surveys for California Almonds and Oregon Hazelnuts, and cutting Florida Citrus surveys from 12 to 5 times a year. Farmers, businesses, and anyone interested in agriculture stats should know these changes start soon, and public comments are welcome until May 11, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Florida Citrus Survey Frequency Cut
If you grow citrus in Florida, the Florida Citrus Objective Yield Survey will reduce its data collection waves from 12 per year to 5 per year. This change is part of the renewal request that lists 12,000 respondents and 3,346 total burden hours; comments are due by May 11, 2026.
Cotton Survey Reinstated
If you are a cotton grower or run a farm business, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service is bringing back the Cotton Objective Yield Survey as part of its Objective Yield Surveys. This change is included in the renewal that lists 12,000 respondents and 3,346 total burden hours; public comments are due by May 11, 2026.
California Almond Survey Stopped
If you grow almonds in California, USDA/NASS will discontinue the California Almonds Objective Yield Survey under this renewal request. This change is part of the submission that lists 12,000 respondents and 3,346 total burden hours; public comments must be received by May 11, 2026.
Oregon Hazelnut Survey Stopped
If you grow hazelnuts in Oregon, USDA/NASS will discontinue the Oregon Hazelnuts Objective Yield Survey as part of this renewal. This change is included in the submission that lists 12,000 respondents and 3,346 total burden hours; public comments are due by May 11, 2026.
Objective Yield Surveys Renewal: Burden & Scope
USDA/NASS is renewing its Objective Yield Surveys (covering crops including corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, citrus, and walnuts) with 12,000 respondents, reporting on an annual and monthly basis, and a total of 3,346 burden hours. The submission is being sent to OMB for review and public comments are requested by May 11, 2026.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06977 — 30-Day Federal Register Notice: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a survey that collects important info about U.S. crops, livestock, and poultry. This survey helps keep track of how agricultural products are used and is required by law. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by May 11, 2026—no extra costs, just your voice!
Next: 2026-06979 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a survey that helps track how farming affects the environment. Farmers and others involved in agriculture might be asked to share info, but only if the survey has official approval. Comments are due by May 11, 2026, and the goal is to make the survey easier and less time-consuming for everyone.