If you are one of the estimated 20,500 producers growing hemp this year, hopefully got a survey form last month asking about acreage and other aspects of hemp production. It's the first comprehensive hemp survey since the 1940's, so it's no wonder USDA officials are fervently asking producers:

"Please, please, take the time and return the survey to us," said Bill Richmond with USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. He added USDA cannot design helpful safety nets and other helpful programs for hemp growers without the information in the survey. Meanwhile, Gerald Tillman with NASS said producers can reply three ways:

"They can return it by mail, of course.  We will have an online code that the hemp producer can go online with their code and they can respond.  If we don't hear back by mail, oh well.  We have data collection centers that will be calling."

Tillman added they need this data by December 10th so they can have time to collate, analyze and publish it on the target date of February 17th.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network