smooth operation of federal farm programs. Agricultural data are indispensable for planning and administering related federal and state programs in such areas as consumer protection, conservation and environmental quality, trade, education and recreation. NASS data helps to ensure an orderly flow of goods and services among agriculture's producing, processing and marketing sectors. Reliable, timely and detailed crop and livestock statistics help to maintain a stable economic climate and minimize the uncertainties and risks associated with the production, marketing and distribution of commodities. Farmers and ranchers rely on NASS reports in making various production and marketing decisions, such as how much grain to plant, how much livestock to raise and when to buy or sell agricultural commodities. NASS estimates and forecasts are used by the transportation sector, warehouse and storage companies, banks and other lending institutions, commodity traders and food processors. The businesses that provide farmers with seeds, equipment, chemicals and other goods and services use the data when planning their marketing strategies. Analysts transform the statistics into projections of coming trends, interpretations of the trends’ economic implications and evaluations of alternative courses of action for producers, agribusinesses and policymakers. Crop reports relating to acreage, yields, and production. See also Agricultural Resource Management Survey United States Census of Agriculture World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Economic Research Service References External links NASS Web site NASS in the Federal Register USDA Web site Census of Agriculture National statistical services United States Department of Agriculture agencies Statistical organizations in the United States Federal Statistical System of the United States