As part of an expanded research program begun about 2 years ago by the Agricultural Estimates Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, pilot interview farm surveys were conducted in 10 Southern States during June 1954 and June 1955, and will be continued, in an effort to develop an improved crop and livestock estimating system. These surveys are somewhat unusual in that their main purpose is not to grind out estimates on a variety of agricultural items, but to study the operational and statistical problems that arise. Although emphasis is on research, the surveys are conducted under simulated operating conditions so that the transition from "research" to an operating program should be a natural development as the work progresses. This paper discusses technical aspects of the surveys.