This article describes and compares three area frame estimators used for agricultural
surveys and shows the importance of sampling and nonsampling errors to both economists
and statisticians Comparisons among the estimators are based on their applicability,
sampling efficiency, and susceptibility to nonsamphng errors The weighted
segment estimator has the widest applicability and highest precision, but it also has
important nonsampling errors This article also discusses research conducted to evaluate
and reduce the nonsampling errors
