How many farms does Alabama have and how big are they? What crops are grown on Alabama farms? Do all farms have cows, pigs and chickens? How much money does an Alabama farmer earn? And, who would know the answers to these questions?

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA.) Our office in Montgomery is called the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service. We collect and publish statistical information about crops and livestock produced on farms in Alabama.

Our crop reports include how many acres of each crop are grown and how much was produced. Details on number of cattle and hogs on farms and production of broiler chickens and eggs are available throughout the year. We provide information about the number of farms, how much money farmers get, crop and weather conditions during the growing season, plus lots of other interesting things about agriculture.

Information about Alabama agriculture is very important. Our reports help farmers make important management decisions about their farms. Banks and farm supply companies use the information to provide better service to farmers. And, politicians use statistics about agriculture to help design government programs that help farmers.

So, next time you read or hear about how much cotton is grown in Alabama or how many cattle there are, remember where the information comes from. It comes from the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service.