Joco Today

Topeka, KS – Today, Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) stood alongside the Kansas Delegation and 67 congressional colleagues in a unified effort by penning a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. The letter urges the USDA to reconsider its decision to cancel or discontinue several National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports.

"The reports slated for discontinuation are highly valuable to the entire U.S. agricultural sector, and particularly for cattle, cotton, and grain. For example, the July Cattle report offers producers and market analysts key insights into herd size, calf crop, and heifer retention, all of which are paramount to making sound business and marketing decisions," emphasized the members in the letter.

Highlighting the impact of budgetary constraints on the decision, the letter stated, "The ASB identified budgetary constraints as justification for the decision to discontinue publication of these reports. While we recognize that NASS has seen a modest year-over-year appropriations reduction, we hold that the costs to industry will be more adverse than the cost savings NASS may realize through cessation of these reports."

The letter further requested collaboration between the USDA, Congress, and industry stakeholders to explore alternative cost-cutting measures and urged the continued publication of crucial reports such as the July Cattle report, Cotton Objective Yield Survey, and County Estimates for Crops and Livestock.

The advocacy for the restoration of these NASS reports is backed by prominent organizations in the agricultural sector, including the National Grain and Feed Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Cotton Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, Livestock Marketing Association, Beef Alliance, and Livestock Marketing and Dealers Association.

The efforts of the Kansas Delegation and their congressional colleagues reflect a shared commitment to supporting American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers by ensuring access to essential market insights for effective risk management and strategic planning.

For the full letter, interested individuals can click HERE.