LINCOLN –The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is gathering information about land ownership, income and expenses, as well as demographic and other landlord characteristics to provide detailed information from all agricultural landowners in Nebraska, as the agency conducts the Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey.
“TOTAL will measure the state of farmland ownership,” said Nick Streff, Director of the NASS Northern Plains Office. "The results of this study help shape federal, state and local farm policies, and will help farmers and landowners plan farmland rental agreements.”
The results of the TOTAL survey are highly anticipated and will help accurately define the economic status of Nebraska farm operations and households. Data provided will impact major decisions and policies impacting farmland and farm operations across the United States.
“In February, we will begin contacting those who have not yet responded,” said Streff. “Our staff will gladly help landowners and producers complete their forms to simplify the process. It is important for producers to complete the survey so data are available to help them make better decisions and ensures local, state or government officials can adapt or create farm policy that works well and is based on accurate information.”
The TOTAL survey is part of the Census of Agriculture program. Participation in the Census of Agriculture program is both required and protected by law (Title 7, U.S. Code). NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents, ensuring that no individual respondent or operation can be identi- fied. Be assured that your responses will be kept completely confidential, as required by federal law.
The data gathered in TOTAL will be published in the TOTAL report on October 31, 2025. That report and others are available at nass.usda.gov/ publications. Additional data analysis and reports will be available at ers. usda.gov/arms.
