January 19, 2010

The Honorable Joseph Glauber

Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture

14^th Street and Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC  20250

Dear Chief Economist Glauber,

The American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) and the Nebraska Farmers Union wishes to bring to your attention an issue of much concern that has been raised regarding your department’s February 12, 2009 Crop Production and Acreage report.   This report which was widely regarded as a significant event due to the difficulties of the past crop production year which for many still has not been completed with crops still left to be harvested.

Concerning corn production, as you know this report increased both final yield and acres which was the main point of concern for many farmers.  Given the short production season and lateness of the harvest many cannot understand how yields could have increased at this late date, especially when it is unknown how many acres will be lost or how yields will be affected by crops buried under snow.  Farmers were also surprised given test weights have been so low due to immature crops at harvest.

While we understand that your department immediately issued a statement that the numbers would be revisited in the March report, this is of little help to producers who must make marketing decisions based on your widely regarded data before the next report.   For your information, by the end of the week corn prices had dropped over 50 cents per bushel, or nearly 12 percent of their value.

We understand that this has not been the first time in the last year that a report such as this has been revised or a statement been issued quickly after it has been released.  This is troubling to us and calls into question the credibility of your department.

We believe that new technology such as satellite imaging must be adopted to increase the accuracy of your reports, along with knowledgeable staff that can improve the reliably of your reporting system. 

As strong supporters of President Obama’s administration and as an organization that works very hard to protect the interests of thousands of family farmers in this nation we respectfully ask that you investigate this problem and work towards a resolution. 

We stand ready to help you in any way and thank you in advance for your prompt response.