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Abstract
The June Area Survey is conducted annually and provides direct estimates of acreage and measures of sampling coverage. This survey utilizes an area sampling frame. The area frame consists of all land, stratified by land use, in all states except Alaska. A sample of nearly 11,000 segments are selected from each land use stratum for data collection. Typically, all farm operators operating within the boundaries of the selected segments are surveyed via a personal interview. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not feasible to conduct the interviews in person for the 2021 data collection. NASS is considering conducting data collection for the 2021 June Area Survey over the telephone. Prior to data collection, respondents would be mailed a cover letter and a simplified version of the screening questionnaire with enclosed county and aerial maps of the selected segment. The interviewer would then call the respondent to collect the information. Usability testing was conducted to assess respondents’ ability to utilize the maps to determine whether they operated land within the segment and tract boundaries and answer questions regarding agricultural activity on that land. The testing also evaluated the cover letter. Results showed the maps were effective and respondents could identify the segments and tracts of land they operated. However, issues with the content of the cover letter and respondent questionnaire emerged, as well as procedural issues with administering the survey over the telephone.