United States 

Department of

Agriculture

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

Research and

Development Division

Washington DC 20250

RDD Research Report

Number RDD-10-04

November 2010

The Road to 

Understanding

Nonresponse in the

June Area Survey

Michael W. Gerling

HoaiNam N. Tran

Terry P. O’Connor

This report was prepared for limited distribution to the research community outside the United States 

Department of Agriculture. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service or of the United States Department of Agriculture. 

i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) primary purpose is to 

provide timely, accurate and useful statistics on United States and Puerto Rico 

agriculture. One of NASS primary surveys, the June Area Survey (JAS), has been 

experiencing deterioration in response rates over the years. Hence, NASS’

Research and Development Division decided to examine why nonresponse was 

increasing in this survey.

From 1999 to 2007, the June Area Survey’s response rates have been gradually 

declining by half of a percentage point every year. Based on this downward 

trend, it was predicted that the survey’s response rate would fall below 80 percent 

in 2010 or 2011, putting it below the federal government’s threshold of 80 

percent. This decrease also introduces increased concerns about the potential 

impact of nonresponse bias. These concerns prompted NASS’ Research and 

Development Division to conduct a pilot study in 2007 focusing on five states 

(California, Kansas, New York, Virginia, and Washington) to document the actual 

reasons for nonresponse.

This study was expanded to all states in 2008. The 2008 national response rate 

plunged 1.5 percentage points from 81.7 percent in 2007 down to 80.2 percent. 

Therefore, the reality of falling under the 80 percent response rate threshold is 

near. This report takes a step towards reducing nonresponse by first documenting 

and understanding some of the reasons behind it. Once these reasons are 

understood, then those aspects of the data collection process requiring 

improvement can be focused upon.

The table, located on the following page, shows the top five reasons for 

operations being coded as refusals or inaccessibles.
ii

Top Five Reasons for Nonresponse (Refusal & Inaccessible)

 Reasons for Refusal Reasons for Inaccessible

1. Would not take time / too busy. 1.

Tried several times; could not 

reach anyone for an appointment. 

Just an extremely busy person.

2.

Contact attempted, but respondent 

refuses on all surveys, and refused 

on this one.

2. No respondent, as listed on the 

label, could be found.

3. “I do not like surveys / I do not do 

surveys.” 3.

Enumerator workload prevented 

this operation from being 

contacted during the survey 

period.

4. Information too personal. / None of 

your business. 4. Access to the address on the label was denied by a gate / guard/ etc.

5. The respondent feels that surveys 

hurt farmers more than help. 5. The operator is away on business.
iii

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Continue tracking the reasons for nonresponse every year, until the 

response rate reaches 85 percent. 

Impact: Additional nonresponse data will enable NASS to statistically 

determine if particular nonresponse reasons are state specific, regional 

and/or national. This will also provide information needed to assess and 

target those aspects of the data collection process (questionnaire design, 

survey promotion, data collection, etc....) requiring improvement. 

2. Update NASS’ Survey Processing System to provide each state with a 

print-out of its reasons for nonresponse. This output would be an 

extension to the enumerator rating and workload summary.

Impact: Provide field offices the opportunity to track their response rates 

and provide insight into problems occurring during enumeration.

3. Re-emphasize the importance of collecting nonresponse data to field 

enumerators during the June Area Survey workshops. The statistician 

who manages the survey should do this.

Impact: Improve the recording of reasons for nonresponse.

4. Enhance the Blaise edit to verify that questionnaires marked (refusal, 

inaccessible, or incomplete) have a valid nonresponse reason code.

Impact: Improve the recording of reasons for nonresponse.

5. Follow up (by office staff) with field enumerator supervisors to prevent 

any instances of questionnaires not being completed due to an 

unmanageable workload.

Impact: Potential to improve overall response rates which equates to 

improved estimates. 
iv

6. Follow up with the operators of agricultural operations providing reasons 

for refusing to participate in the JAS such as: “The respondent feels that 

surveys and reports hurt the farmer more than help,” “I will have nothing 

to do with the Government,” “Mentions a specific grievance with the FO

or NASS (other than confidentiality),” and “Does not believe in statistics, 

so will not complete an interview.” Recommend State Directors directly 

contact these operators via site visit, telephone, and/or mail to discuss the 

operator’s feelings on these matters and to explain the importance of 

NASS estimates and publications.

Impact: Gain future support for NASS surveys from previous refusals.

7. Readdress, with field enumerators, situations involving agricultural 

operations’ questionnaires recorded as violent or threatening refusals. 

Also, document comments describing the situation in the comments 

section of NASS’ list frame, to guide future data collection decisions.

 

Impact: Make field enumerators aware of any possible dangerous 

situations. Protect the field enumerator from harm.

8. Update, formalize, and implement the Fire Up Response training (NASS 

program for increasing response rates) for states with lower response rates,

and measure if the training has any effect on response rates.

Impact: Measure if this training helps NASS field enumerators in turning 

refusals into participants.

9. Provide the nonresponse tables to the field offices by April of the 

following year. This would allow the field office staff to use these during 

their JAS training workshop. One possible solution is to have the Survey 

Processing System or the Interactive Data Analysis System produce output 

for each state to view its own reasons for nonresponse counts.

Impact: Tables can be used at next year’s June Area Survey Field 

Enumerator Training Workshops.
1

The Road to Understanding Nonresponse 

in the June Area Survey

Michael W. Gerling, HoaiNam N. Tran

Terry P. O’Connor1/

Abstract

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveys farmers and ranchers 

across the United States and Puerto Rico in order to estimate crops and livestock, 

assess production practices, and identify economic trends. One of the surveys 

conducted annually is the June Area Survey (JAS). This survey requires NASS

field interviewers (enumerators) to visit sampled land areas (segments) designated 

on aerial photos and record all agricultural activity occurring within those 

specified land areas. 

From 2000 to 2007, the national JAS overall response rate has been gradually 

deteriorating. In 2000, the response rate was 86.5 percent, but it had fallen to 81.7

percent by 2007. The assumption is that the JAS national response rate will fall 

below the Office of Management and Budget’s threshold rate of 80 percent in

three to four years. Falling below this rate dictates the need for nonresponse bias 

analysis and, in general, heightens the concern about the potential negative impact 

on survey results. Since this study was conducted, the national response rate 

dropped to 80.2 percent in 2008, before rebounding somewhat to 82.0 percent in 

2009. Thus, the urgency to reduce nonresponse is on our door step.

This study examines some of the underlying causes of nonresponse occurring in 

the 2008 June Area Survey.

Key Words: Agriculture, Refusals, Inaccessibles, Data Collection, Nonresponse 

___________________ 

1/ Michael W. Gerling and HoaiNam N. Tran are Mathematical Statisticians and Terry P.

O’Connor is Head of the Collection and Dissemination Research Section for the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service - Research & Development Division, located at 3251 Old Lee 

Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. A special thanks to the field offices and field enumerators and to 

Patrick Boyle, formerly of NASS’ Survey Administration Branch, for taking a proactive 

approach to reducing nonresponse.
2

1. INTRODUCTION

The National Agricultural Statistics 

Service’s (NASS) primary purpose is to 

provide timely, accurate and useful statistics 

on United States and Puerto Rico 

agriculture. NASS conducts hundreds of 

surveys annually for the purpose of making 

estimates on crops and livestock, exploring 

production practices, and identifying 

economic trends.

The June Area Survey (JAS) is an annual 

survey that provides information on U.S.

crops, livestock, grain storage capacity, and 

number, type, and size of farms. 

The JAS sample is comprised of designated 

land areas (segments). A typical segment is 

about one square mile -- equivalent to 640 

acres. Each segment is outlined on an aerial 

photo and provided to NASS field 

interviewers (enumerators). Field

enumerators visit these segments, locate and 

interview the operator(s) of any land found 

to have agricultural activity, and record all

agricultural activity associated with the 

operator on a paper questionnaire. A 

separate paper questionnaire is completed 

for each agricultural operation operating any 

land within the segment. 

1.1 Problem: Response Rates for the 

June Area Survey Are Declining

Over time, the JAS’ response rate has been 

gradually decreasing by about half a 

percentage point a year. In 1996, the 

national response rate was 87.9 percent. By

2007, the response rate had dropped to 81.7

percent. See Tables 11 and 12 in Section 10

for historic U.S. response rates. If this trend 

continues, the JAS’ national response rate 

will fall below 80 percent within three to 

four years. Once below 80 percent, a 

nonresponse bias study will be required by 

the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB). During this study, the June Area 

Survey’s response rate fell to 80.2 percent,

further emphasizing the importance of 

nonresponse reduction efforts and making 

the timeliness and importance of the study 

critical. 

There are three types of survey nonresponse:

1) refusals, 2) inaccessibles, and 3) 

incompletes. 

Refusals are operators who are not willing to 

respond or participate in the survey.

 

Inaccessibles occur when field enumerators

are unable to contact or reach the operators 

for data collection. 

 

A questionnaire is considered incomplete if 

at least one of the questions is not answered. 

Overall, survey nonresponse negatively 

impacts the resulting survey estimates, 

increases survey costs and data collection 

time, and significantly complicates the data 

editing and summarization processes. 

Nonresponse also increases the potential for 

biasing the estimates in a way that can not 

be easily assessed or accounted for. 

1.2 Purpose of the Research

Focal points of recent nonresponse research 

have included the 2006 Agricultural 

Resource Management Survey Phase III in 

Louisiana (Gerling, Tran, & Earp, 2008) and 

a test study on five states participating in the 

2007 June Area Survey (Gerling, Tran, &

Earp, 2008).
3

This study takes a broader look at 

nonresponse, by examining all states

participating in the 2008 June Area Survey. 

Alaska and Hawaii were excluded since they 

were not part of the 2008 June Area Survey.

The goals of the study are to: 

1.) Document and categorize the most 

common reasons for nonresponse 

occurring in the 2008 June Area 

Survey.

2.) Determine areas(s) of the survey 

process that need improvement to 

prevent a further decline in response 

rates. 

1.3 Definitions

Segments: Land areas with identifiable 

boundaries such as ditches, 

roads, railroads, streams, etc. 

that serve as sampling units 

in the June Area Survey. 

Segments are assigned a 

permanent number and 

outlined in red on aerial 

photos. Segments generally 

range in size from one-half 

square mile to three square

miles.

Tract: An area of land inside a 

segment under one type of 

land operating arrangement.

There are two types of tracts: 

1.) Ag Tract: Consists of 

agricultural land.

 

2.) Non-Ag Tract: Consists 

of residential, shopping 

centers, lakes, woods, and 

any land not considered 

agricultural. 

Usable: Completed reports for 

agricultural tracts -

questionnaires containing

usable data.

2. METHOD

The 2008 JAS sample was comprised of 

10,912 segments across 48 states. The 

enumeration of these segments resulted in

41,075 tracts indicating agricultural activity.

Enumeration attempts for these tracts 

resulted in a national response rate of 80.2 

percent usables, 9.4 percent refusing, and 

10.4 percent recorded as inaccessible. 

Tables 1 and 2, displayed in Section 3.1,

show response counts and rates by state.

2.1 Enumerator Training

Field enumerators are instructed on the 

collection procedures for the JAS at an 

annual workshop conducted in May. For 

this study, the field enumerators were 

provided the following instruction: 

1.) In the event of a refusal, the field 

enumerator was to ask and record the 

operator’s primary reason for not

participating in the survey. 

2.) For inaccessibles, the field enumerator 

was to document why the operator could not 

be contacted.
4

3.) For incompletes, the field enumerator 

would record why the operator did not 

answer specific questions.

4.) In all three cases, field enumerators were 

instructed to review a supplemental handout 

listing various nonresponse reasons, each of 

which had a corresponding code number. 

The field enumerator would record this code 

in the Office Use Box of the questionnaire. 

See Appendix A for a copy of the 

supplemental handout.

The additional nonresponse training 

administered for this study averaged 

approximately 15 minutes per field office.

2.2 Project Costs

The reasons for nonresponse research 

involved no additional field enumerator 

training costs since the additional training 

was absorbed into the states’ JAS

workshops. Also, no additional burden fell 

on the field enumerators since recording the 

reasons for the nonresponse is a documented 

requirement for all NASS surveys. 

3. FINDINGS

The compiled findings in this report reflect 

the results after the primary and post survey 

data collections and edits, unless otherwise 

noted.

3.1 Overall Response Rates

Table 1 displays the number of segments

surveyed and the number of agricultural and 

non-agricultural tracts within those 

segments. Usable agricultural tracts refer to 

those whose data were deemed complete. 

Non-agricultural tracts screen out of the 

survey process with no data collected; 

hence, response rates and the completeness 

of data/data usability do not apply to them.

State response rates and the U.S. average 

response rate can be found in Table 2, 

located on the following page. There were 

only 23 states (highlighted in blue) that 

exceeded OMB’s 80 percent response rate

requirement. The U.S. response rate (80.2

percent) exceeded OMB’s requirement by a 

meager 0.2 percent. Tennessee had the

highest response rate at 94.6 percent, with

Maine having the lowest at 53.2 percent.

Table 1: 2008 June Area Survey: Number of Sampled Segments, Surveyed 

Agricultural Tracts versus Usable Agricultural Tracts, and the Number of 

Non-Agricultural Tracts

State Sample Size (No. 

of Segments)

No. of Agricultural Tracts No. of NonAgricultural 

Surveyed Usable Tracts

U.S.1/ 10,912 41,075 32,927 40,124 

 1/ Includes all states, except Hawaii and Alaska.
5

Table 2: 2008 June Area Survey’s Agricultural Tracts: Response Rates1/ By State. 

 Blue denotes states above 80% response rate.

Usable

Count Percent

Refusal

Count Percent

Inaccessible

Count Percent

Incomplete

Count Percent

Alabama 657 88.1 57 7.6 31 4.2 1 0.1

Arizona 219 88.7 7 2.8 21 8.5 0 0.0

Arkansas 836 77.3 138 12.8 107 9.9 1 0.1

California 967 70.5 142 10.3 245 17.9 18 1.3

Colorado 408 59.7 93 13.6 182 26.6 0 0.0

Connecticut 21 91.3 0 0 2 8.7 0 0.0

Delaware 71 81.6 10 11.5 6 6.9 0 0.0

Florida 427 93.2 12 2.6 19 4.1 0 0.0

Georgia 702 85.9 76 9.3 39 4.8 0 0.0

Idaho 407 83.2 49 10.0 33 6.7 0 0.0

Illinois 1,780 85.5 185 8.9 111 5.3 6 0.3

Indiana 1,041 78.1 143 10.7 115 8.6 34 2.6

Iowa 1,785 79.4 257 11.4 201 8.9 4 0.2

Kansas 1,019 62.7 292 18.0 307 18.9 6 0.4

Kentucky 716 92.7 20 2.6 34 4.3 2 0.3

Louisiana 612 82.4 56 7.5 74 10.0 1 0.1

Maine 33 53.2 11 17.7 18 29.0 0 0.0

Maryland 209 84.6 16 6.5 19 7.7 3 1.2

Massachusetts 28 93.3 0 0.0 2 6.7 0 0.0

Michigan 533 77.9 41 6.0 106 15.5 4 0.6

Minnesota 1,405 84.5 144 8.7 86 5.2 28 1.7

Mississippi 836 94.4 20 2.3 30 3.4 0 0.0

Missouri 1,036 59.5 188 10.8 499 28.7 17 1.0

Montana 689 80.3 113 13.2 53 6.2 3 0.3

Nebraska 1,207 69.1 287 16.4 226 12.9 28 1.6

1/

 Total may not equal 100% due to rounding. 
6

Table 2 (Continued): 2008 June Area Survey’s Agricultural Tracts - Response Rates1/ By 

 State. Blue denotes states above 80% response rate.

Usable

Count Percent

Refusal

Count Percent

Inaccessible

Count Percent

Incomplete

Count Percent

Nevada 29 82.9 0 0.0 6 17.2 0 0.0

New Hampshire 35 77.8 2 4.4 8 17.8 0 0.0

New Jersey 140 76.9 12 6.6 29 16.0 1 0.5

New Mexico 301 79.0 20 5.2 59 15.4 1 0.3

New York 207 76.4 29 10.7 33 12.2 2 0.7

North Carolina 1,053 86.5 65 5.3 99 8.1 1 0.1

North Dakota 1,162 79.2 193 13.2 92 6.2 20 1.4

Ohio 774 80.5 78 8.1 109 11.3 0 0.0

Oklahoma 851 66.3 227 17.7 196 15.2 10 0.8

Oregon 490 84.2 81 13.9 10 1.7 1 0.2

Pennsylvania 750 88.1 47 5.5 52 6.1 2 0.2

Rhode Island 13 76.5 3 17.6 0 0.0 1 5.9

South Carolina 268 76.6 46 13.1 36 10.3 0 0.0

South Dakota 993 77.7 140 11.0 145 11.3 0 0.0

Tennessee 1,334 94.6 40 2.8 34 2.5 2 0.1

Texas 4,210 87.9 290 6.1 287 6.0 3 0.1

Utah 158 73.5 22 10.2 32 14.9 3 1.4

Vermont 66 75.0 13 14.8 9 10.2 0 0.0

Virginia 511 83.8 26 4.3 72 11.8 1 0.2

Washington 503 71.0 88 12.4 116 16.4 1 0.1

West Virginia 352 92.6 11 2.9 16 4.2 1 0.3

Wisconsin 915 89.4 60 5.9 41 4.0 8 0.8

Wyoming 168 82.0 16 7.8 21 10.2 0 0.0

U.S. 32,927 80.2 3,866 9.4 4,068 9.9 214 0.5

1/ Total may not equal 100% due to rounding. 
7

4. REASONS FOR REFUSALS

A refusal occurs when an operator declines

to participate in the survey. In this case, the 

field enumerator records the reason for the 

refusal, determines which nonresponse 

reason best matches the situation from the 

supplemental handout, and finally codes the 

questionnaire appropriately.

The reasons for refusing to participate in the 

survey are displayed in Table 3. The data 

revealed that “Refused but no reason given” 

was recorded 989 times (27 percent of the 

total refusals). 

There were also 217 reports for which the 

field enumerators failed to record a 

nonresponse code in the office use box. 

These 217 reports were excluded from the 

analysis. The authors suggest that 

statisticians overseeing the survey reemphasize to field enumerators the 

importance of collecting nonresponse data. 

This would result in more data for NASS to 

better understand the rationale of the 

growing refusal population. 

Excluding those questionnaires recorded as 

“Known refusal, no contact attempted” and 

“Refused but no reason given”, the top three 

reasons for refusal were: 

1.) “Would not take time / too busy.”

2.) “Contact attempted, but respondent 

refuses on all surveys, and refused 

this one.”

3.) “I do not like surveys / I do not do 

surveys.”

Four percent (163 reports) of the total 

refusals were recorded as “The respondent 

feels that surveys and reports hurt the 

farmer more than help,” and another 4

percent cited “I will have nothing to do with 

the Government.” Also, there were an 

additional 15 reports with “Mentions a 

specific grievance with the SSO or NASS 

(other than confidentiality),” and another 18 

reports had “Does not believe in statistics, 

so will not complete an interview.” The 

authors propose that State Directors address 

the operators of these agricultural operations 

through personal contact, telephone and/or

mail to better understand the operator’s 

feelings on these matters and to explain the 

importance of NASS estimates and 

publications. Appendices D and E contain 

individual state specific nonresponse tables. 
8

Table 3: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals at the United States Level

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 989 27

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

58 2

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

16 <0.5

The respondent feels 

the operation’s records 

are inadequate to 

complete the interview.

3 <0.5

Would not take time / 

too busy 591 16 Family illness / death. 50 1

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

15 <0.5 Farm records are at tax 

advisors / lawyers. 3 <0.5

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

492 13

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

49 1

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

15 <0.5

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

3 <0.5

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

227 6

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 49 1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

14 <0.5

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

3 <0.5

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 227 6

Violent / threatening 

refusal. 29 1

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." 13 <0.5

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

3 <0.5

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

221 6

Would not keep 

appointments 26 1

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

11 <0.5

Has or recently had 

disease problem with 

herd/crops.

3 <0.5

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

163 4 Quitting farming 23 1

Does not want 

to talk about farming 10 <0.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the state 

cooperator.

1 <0.5

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

149 4

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

18 <.05 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 10 <0.5 Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 <0.5

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

62 2 "This is not a farm". 17 <0.5

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

6 <0.5 Total Number Missing 217 N/A

"You contact me too 

often" 59 2

Spouse/secretary will 

not let enumerator 

see operator.

16 <0.5

Survey items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection involved.

4 <0.5 Total Number 

(Excludes Missing) 3,649 100%
9

5. REASONS FOR

INACCESSIBLES

A questionnaire is recorded as inaccessible

if the field enumerator was unable to contact 

the operator. For inaccessibles, the field 

enumerators were instructed to code the 

reasons for the nonresponse on the 

questionnaires.

The reasons for questionnaires being coded 

inaccessible are shown in Table 4. 

There were 376 questionnaires recorded as 

inaccessible for which the field enumerators

failed to record a reason. These reports were 

removed from the analysis. 

An additional 1,544 reports were cited as 

“Inaccessible but no reason provided.”

This reason may be valid for refusals but not 

for inaccessibles. For these instances to 

occur, the field enumerators failed to record 

the reason why they could not contact the 

operator. This provides additional support

for the earlier recommendation of the 

statisticians overseeing the survey to 

emphasize the importance of collecting and 

recording reasons for questionnaires being 

recorded as inaccessible.

Excluding “Inaccessible, but no reason 

given,” the number one reason for 

questionnaires being coded as inaccessible 

was “Tried several times; but could not 

reach anyone for an appointment.” 

In all, 173 instances (five percent of all 

inaccessibles) were coded inaccessible 

because the field enumerator’s heavy 

workload prevented contacting these 

operators. The authors propose improved 

communication between field office staff 

and supervisory field enumerators to ensure

that workload is distributed appropriately 

and is being completed in a timely matter, so 

that all JAS segments and tracts are

enumerated. 
10

 Table 4: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Inaccessibles at the United States Level

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1,544 42 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 28 1

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 1,167 32 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 23 1

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 217 6

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. 11 <.05

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 173 5

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. 8 <.05

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 149 4

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 7 <.05

The operator is away on business. 121 3

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. 3 <.05

Illness / death in the family prevent the operator 

from responding. 93 3

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 92 2

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 376 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 56 2 Total (Excludes Missing) 3,692 100%

 1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
11

6. INCOMPLETES

A report is coded as incomplete if the 

respondent provided partial information, but 

would not or could not provide enough 

information to make the questionnaire 

complete. Table 5 shows that incompletes 

are rare. Indiana has the highest number of 

incompletes at 34 (2.6 percent). 

Table 5: 2008 June Area Survey: Incompletes by State (Sorted by Number of

Incompletes).

State Number Percent of State’s

Nonresponse

Indiana 34 2.6

Minnesota 28 1.7

Nebraska 28 1.6

North Dakota 20 1.4

California 18 1.3

Missouri 17 1.0

Oklahoma 10 0.8

Wisconsin 8 0.8

Illinois 6 0.3

Kansas 6 0.4

Iowa 4 0.2

Michigan 4 0.6

Texas 3 0.1

Utah 3 1.4

Montana 3 0.3

Maryland 3 1.2

New York 2 0.7

Pennsylvania 2 0.2

Tennessee 2 0.1

Kentucky 2 0.3
12

Table 5 (Continued): 2008 June Area Survey: Incompletes by State (Sorted by Number of 

Incompletes).

State Number Percent of State’s 

Nonresponse

Arkansas 1 0.1

Louisiana 1 0.1

New Jersey 1 0.5

New Mexico 1 0.3

North Carolina 1 0.1

Oregon 1 0.2

Virginia 1 0.2

Washington 1 0.1

West Virginia 1 0.3

Rhode Island 1 5.9

Alabama 1 0.1

Arizona, Colorado, 

Connecticut, Delaware, 

Florida, Georgia, Idaho, 

Maine, Massachusetts, New 

Hampshire, Nevada, 

Mississippi, Ohio, South 

Caroline, South Dakota, 

Vermont, and Wyoming

0 0.0

U.S. 214 0.5
13

7. REGIONAL BREAKOUT

The next step was to look for any regional 

trends or peculiarities. The authors 

examined the nonresponse data by the seven

regions as defined for the Census of 

Agriculture. 

The regions are defined accordingly:

Region 1: Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, 

Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, 

Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, 

New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 

Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Region 2: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia,

Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South 

Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West 

Virginia.

Region 3: Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, 

Oklahoma, and Texas.

Region 4: Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, 

Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, 

and Wyoming.

Region 5: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and 

Washington (Excludes Alaska, since Alaska 

was not part of the 2008 June Area Survey).

Region 6: California, Arizona.

Region 7: Hawaii (Not shown since Hawaii 

was not part of the 2008 June Area Survey).

Table 6 shows the response rates by region. 

As indicated, Region 2 had the highest 

response rate at 89 percent with the rest of 

the regions ranging from 73 percent to 80 

percent. Region 6 had the lowest response 

rate at 73 percent and the highest 

inaccessible rate at 16 percent.

Table 6: 2008 June Area Surveys’ Agricultural Tracts: Overall Response Counts and 

 Rates by Region.

Regions Usable

Count Percent

Refusal

Count Percent

Inaccessible

Count Percent

Incomplete

Count Percent

1 10,347 77.4 1,460 11.0 1,369 10.3 96 0.7

2 5,873 88.5 367 5.5 386 5.8 11 0.2

3 9,109 79.9 951 8.3 1,271 11.1 33 0.3

4 5,012 77.6 721 11.2 617 9.6 54 0.8

5 1,400 78.7 218 12.3 159 9.0 2 0.1

6 1,186 73.3 149 9.2 266 16.4 18 1.1
14

Table 7 shows the top three refusal reasons 

for each region, as well as how they ranked 

in the other regions. See Appendices B and 

C for a breakdown of reasons for 

nonresponse by region. 

Excluding those questionnaires recorded as 

“Known refusal, no contact attempted” and 

“Refused but no reason given,” the

following two refusal reasons stood out:

1.) “Would not take time / too busy.”

2.) “Contact attempted but respondent 

refuses on all surveys, and refused this 

one.”

“I do not like surveys / I do not do surveys”

ranked fourth for several regions, but overall 

placed third.

Table 7: 2008 June Area Survey: Top Three Reasons for Refusal for Each Region

Reasons for 

Refusing Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6

Would not take 

time too busy. 1 1 1 3 1 1

Contact attempted 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and 

refused this one.

2 2 2 1 2 2

t/

I do not like 

surveys / I do not 

do surveys.

3 5 4 4 4

t/

4

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

4 7 3 2 7

t/

6

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

12 10 12 14t/3 2

t/

The respondent 

feels that surveys 

hurt the farmer 

more than help.

5 3 6 5 4

t/ N/A

t/ Represents a tie

N/A-Reason was not reported in Region 6.
15

Table 8 shows, regionally, the top three 

reasons for a questionnaire being recorded 

as inaccessible. Also, the table shows how 

these reasons ranked in the other regions. 

See Appendices B and C for a breakdown of 

reasons for nonresponse by region. 

Excluding the questionnaires recorded as 

“Inaccessible, but no reason given,” the 

primary reason for a questionnaire being 

recorded as inaccessible was “Tried several 

times, could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. Just an extremely busy 

person.” Second place was not clearly 

defined, although “Enumerator workload 

prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period” and 

“No respondent, as listed on the label, could 

be found” are tied for second place.

Table 8: 2008 June Area Survey: Top Three Ranked Reasons for Inaccessible by Region

Reasons for 

Inaccessible Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6

Tried Several 

times, could not 

reach anyone for 

an appointment. 

Just an extremely 

busy person.

1 1 1 1 1 1

Enumerator 

workload 

prevented this 

operation from 

being contacted 

during the survey 

period.

2 5 6 5 2 2

No respondent, as 

listed on the label, 

could be found.

5 3 2 2 6 4

Access to the 

address on the 

label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc.

3 6 3 7 3

t/

3

The operator is 

away on business. 4 4 8 3 5 6

Illness / death in 

the family prevents 

the operator from 

responding.

6 7 4 6 3

t/

8

The operator is 

away on a brief 

vacation.

7 2 5 4 8 N/A

t/ Represents a tie

N/A-Reason was not reported in Region 6.
16

8. STATE LEVEL

Reasons for nonresponse were examined at 

the state level, with Appendices D and E

containing the reasons for refusals and for

inaccessibles, respectively. 

A review of the reasons for nonresponse, 

brought the following findings to the 

forefront: 

Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, 

Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, 

Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, 

South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and 

Wyoming had field enumerators cite one or 

more of the following reasons for 

nonresponse: “Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not complete interview,”

“Mentions a specific grievance with the 

state cooperator,” and “Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).”

The authors, as noted earlier, suggest

reviewing these operations and, if practical,

having the State Directors communicate

with the operators to obtain their support for 

future NASS surveys.

Those operations in California, Colorado, 

Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, 

Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, 

North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 

Oregon, Texas, and Washington for which 

questionnaires are recorded as violent,

threatening refusals should be readdressed 

with the field enumerators. Comments 

describing the situation should be 

documented in the comments section of 

NASS’ list frame. 
17

9. PAST STUDIES

In 1990 and 1991, NASS examined reasons 

for nonresponse occurring on the 

Agricultural Resource Management Survey 

Phase III (ARMS III), (O’Connor 1991 & 

1992). ARMS III aims to understand the 

financial welfare of the farming industry by 

asking detailed questions regarding farming 

expenses and income. 

Although the JAS and ARMS III surveys 

differ in several ways (questionnaire, focus, 

and sampling scheme), a comparison of 

reasons for refusals and inaccessibles across 

studies was conducted. Table 9 displays the 

2008 JAS’ top five refusal reasons in rank 

order, as compared to those of the past 

ARMS III studies. 

Comparing nonresponse reasons reported in 

the 2008 JAS versus those from the 1990 

and 1991 ARMS III shows similar ranking 

of refusal reasons and consistency with 

those from previous studies.

Table 9: Comparison Ranking of the Reasons for Refusal on the 2008 June Area Survey 

 Study with the 1990 & 1991 ARMS III Studies

2008 June Area 

Survey Study 

Ranking

1991

ARMS III 

Study 

Ranking

1990 

ARMS III

Study

Ranking 

Reason for Refusal1/

1 1 1 Would not take the time / too busy.

2 5 3

Contact attempted but respondent refuses 

on all surveys, and refused on this one.

3 3 4

“I do not like surveys / I do not do 

surveys.”

4 2 2

Information too personal. / None of your 

business.

5 4 6

The respondent feels that surveys and 

reports hurt the farmer more than help.

1/ Excludes “Refused but no reason given.” and “Known refusal, no contact attempted”.
18

Table 10 compares the 2008 JAS study’s top 

five reasons for recording a questionnaire as 

an inaccessible with those from past ARMS 

III studies. Unlike refusals, the rankings 

varied across studies. 

In the 1990 ARMS III study, the main 

reason for inaccessibility was “The operator 

is away on extended vacation.” This was 

ranked eighth on the JAS study. Differences 

in reported reasons for nonresponse suggest 

that there may be something unique to JAS 

(questionnaire, sampling scheme, timing, 

publicity, etc...) creating these differences 

between studies. Also, the time differences 

between when the ARMS studies were 

conducted in the early 90’s and the JAS 

study was carried out in 2008 may also have 

been a factor. 

Table 10: Comparison Ranking of the Reasons for Inaccessibles on the 2008 June Area 

Survey Study with the 1990 & 1991 ARMS III Studies

2008 June 

Area Survey 

Study 

Ranking

1991 

ARMS III 

Study

Ranking 

1990 

ARMS III 

Study 

Ranking

Reasons for Inaccessible1/

1 1 4

Tried several times; could not reach 

anyone for an appointment. Just an 

extremely busy person.

2 9 5

No respondent, as listed on the label, 

could be found.

3 14t/ 13

Enumerator workload prevented this 

operation from being contacted during 

the survey period.

4 13 9

Access to the address on the label was 

denied by a gate/ guard/ etc...

5 6 7 The operator is away on business.

1/ Excludes “Inaccessible, but no reason given.”

t/ Represents a tie.
19

10. HISTORIC TRENDS

Up to this point, the report has focused on 

reasons for nonresponse for the 2008 JAS.

The next step was to look at response rates 

from 1999 through 2008. JAS refusal and 

inaccessible rates by state from 1999 

through 2008 can be found in Tables 11 and 

12.

From 1999 through 2008, the refusal rate 

trended upward for all states except Arizona, 

Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, 

New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, and 

Wisconsin.

For this same time period, the inaccessible 

rate trended upward for all states except 

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, 

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, 

Washington, and Wyoming. 

Only Kentucky, Mississippi and West 

Virginia have maintained both low refusal 

and low inaccessible rates from 1999 

through 2008.
20

Table 11: Refusal Rates for the June Area Survey from 1999 through 2008.

Key: Red signifies an increase in the refusal rate from the previous year.

Blue signifies a decrease in the refusal rate from previous year.

Up means the overall refusal rate (using a regression analysis) is increasing.

Down means the overall refusal rate (using a regression analysis) is decreasing

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Avg. Trend1/

AL 4.7 4.3 5.1 4.5 4.2 4.9 6.1 6.3 6.7 7.6 5.4 Up

AZ 3.6 5.9 8.6 8.3 4.2 3.7 6.3 0.0 4.3 2.8 4.8 Down

AR 3.0 4.4 6.3 5.6 7.3 6.6 7.3 9.9 11.3 12.8 7.5 Up

CA 4.6 5.4 5.1 9.6 7.8 6.5 7.0 7.4 12.7 10.3 7.6 Up

CO 7.1 8.5 8.9 9.3 11.9 10.9 13.1 13.1 13.4 13.6 11.0 Up

CT 4.5 0 2.25 N/A

DE/2 11.5 11.5 N/A

FL 3.9 4.6 3.7 4.4 4.4 2.6 1.6 1.3 2.8 2.6 3.19 Down

GA 5.1 5.6 6.9 7.0 6.8 8.3 6.4 8.7 9.8 9.3 7.39 Up

ID 4.5 6.5 5.8 5.8 5.5 4.5 6.6 8.4 10.2 10.0 6.78 Up

IL 5.5 7.0 6.8 7.4 7.9 6.1 7.6 6.2 8.2 8.9 7.16 Up

IN 6.4 7.3 7.7 8.3 9.1 7.4 8.4 8.6 8.8 10.7 8.27 Up

IA 4.0 7.0 6.8 6.0 6.3 5.4 7.5 8.8 8.2 11.4 7.14 Up

KS 8.0 9.9 9.4 7.3 12.4 10.3 14.3 15.8 16.2 18.0 12.2 Up

KY 3.4 2.4 3.6 3.4 2.8 1.4 2.2 1.5 3.4 2.6 2.7 Down

LA 4.5 4.3 4.2 3.8 3.7 4.1 4.9 5.0 5.1 7.5 4.7 Up

ME 5.7 17.7 11.7 N/A

MD 4.0 3.6 2.2 3.2 2.3 3.8 4.6 3.0 4.2 6.5 3.7 Up

MA 0.0 0.0 0 N/A

MI 4.5 6.9 6.4 9.3 6.8 8.4 8.9 8.5 7.0 6.0 7.3 Up

MN 6.5 5.9 6.8 6.9 8.2 8.0 7.4 7.0 7.1 8.7 7.3 Up

MS 2.4 1.5 2.8 2.9 2.3 1.6 1.9 1.4 1.5 2.3 2.1 Down

MO 5.6 5.1 7.6 7.3 7.3 6.0 9.0 9.5 11.9 10.8 8.0 Up

MT 8.5 7.0 7.9 7.9 8.3 8.5 9.6 11.0 10.7 13.2 9.3 Up

NE 15.2 12.3 14.7 12.9 12.3 13.5 15.0 16.1 14.5 16.4 14.3 Up

1/ Trend determined by regression analysis of years 1999-2008.

2/

From 1999-2007, historical response rate for Delaware and Maryland were combined.

N/A means data not available.
21

Table 11 (Continued): Refusal Rates for the June Area Survey from 1999 through 

 2008.

Key: Red signifies an increase in the refusal rate from the previous year.

Blue signifies a decrease in the refusal rate from previous year.

Up means the overall refusal rate (using regression analysis) is increasing.

Down means the overall refusal rate (using regression analysis) is decreasing.

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Avg. Trend1/

NV 0.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 Down

New 

Eng3/ 1.9 0.4 7.5 4.8 3.4 3.9 8.8 4.2 4.4 Up

NH 6.7 4.4 5.6 N/A

NJ 5.5 3.6 5.8 4.6 25.7 2.1 6.3 2.5 3.0 6.6 6.6 Down

NM 5.5 5.5 16.9 9.4 5.4 8.4 6.1 7.1 3.7 5.2 7.3 Down

NY 4.6 5.8 6.7 7.1 5.4 4.1 2.1 5.3 8.6 10.7 6.0 Up

NC 2.1 3.1 2.1 2.2 2.8 3.7 7.0 6.9 6.5 5.3 4.2 Up

ND 11.1 10.0 13.0 12.5 11.0 12.6 14.4 12.0 10.3 13.2 12.0 Up

OH 5.7 4.7 8.1 5.5 3.6 4.6 6.9 7.0 5.7 8.1 6.0 Up

OK 7.9 9.6 8.8 7.4 6.3 7.6 8.2 11.8 13.8 17.7 9.9 Up

OR 10.2 9.3 4.9 9.5 6.0 10.1 7.7 13.0 9.6 13.9 9.4 Up

PA 3.7 2.1 2.8 3.2 3.7 3.7 5.5 5.5 4.6 5.5 4.0 Up

RI 11.1 17.6 14.4 N/A

SC 6.3 2.8 2.6 2.3 3.3 2.0 3.5 4.3 8.6 13.1 4.9 Up

SD 12.8 13.2 10.0 12.2 15.4 15.5 17.2 18.2 10.3 11.0 13.6 Up

TN 2.5 3.5 1.7 1.9 2.7 3.6 2.8 2.5 2.2 2.8 2.6 Down

TX 4.8 4.4 4.9 5.0 4.8 5.4 6.5 5.1 7.2 6.1 5.4 Up

UT 3.5 2.0 4.3 3.5 5.6 3.7 3.1 2.7 9.4 10.2 4.8 Up

VT 7.2 14.8 11.0 N/A

VA 2.9 1.9 2.6 8.3 4.5 4.0 4.4 2.9 6.0 4.3 4.2 Up

WA 6.3 9.6 9.7 12.0 11.0 12.7 8.8 10.2 12.2 12.4 10.5 Up

WV 0.9 2.3 3.4 1.7 1.8 3.2 1.2 1.9 1.8 2.9 2.1 Up

WI 9.1 6.8 5.1 7.4 7.7 6.2 7.3 9.2 6.9 5.9 7.2 Down

WY 8.3 5.8 7.5 12.6 8.9 6.4 12.6 6.8 14.4 7.8 9.1 Up

US 5.9 6.1 6.7 6.8 7.0 6.8 8.0 8.0 8.7 9.9 7.4 Up

1/ Trend determined by regression analysis of years 1999-2008.

2/

From 1999-2007, historical response rate for Delaware and Maryland were combined.

3/ New England includes the states of (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode

 Island, and Vermont). Individual states’ response rates were broken out in 2007 and 2008.

N/A means data not available.
22

Table 12: Inaccessible Rates for the June Area Survey from 1999 through 2008.

Key: Red signifies an increase in the inaccessible rate from the previous year.

Blue signifies a decrease in the inaccessible rate from previous year.

Up means the overall inaccessible rate (using regression analysis) is increasing.

Down means the overall inaccessible rate (using regression analysis) is decreasing.

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Avg. Trend1/

AL 8.1 9.3 10.3 9.2 11.0 5.5 6.2 4.8 3.9 4.3 7.3 Down

AZ 11.8 13.3 10.8 20.9 24.9 6.6 5.3 0.5 8.5 8.5 11.1 Up

AR 5.1 6.3 7.0 5.3 1.3 4.5 5.7 6.9 8.0 10.0 6.0 Down

CA 11.3 12.4 10.8 12.3 13.1 15.0 13.6 17.5 14.1 19.2 13.9 Up

CO 9.8 7.4 15.0 13.6 20.4 15.2 14.2 18.4 24.1 26.6 16.5 Up

CT 4.5 8.7 6.6 N/A

FL 6.6 7.6 8.7 11.0 11.0 8.3 13.2 6.2 4.8 4.1 8.15 Down

GA 9.8 10.6 11.7 13.3 15.8 14.3 7.0 11.8 7.9 4.8 10.7 Down

ID 3.0 2.3 3.2 6.9 5.3 4.6 6.2 6.9 3.6 6.7 4.9 Up

IL 6.4 5.1 4.6 7.2 4.0 4.2 4.3 7.9 5.2 5.6 5.5 Down

IN 6.6 13.8 10.2 13.3 11.9 10.5 10.9 9.3 7.1 11.2 10.5 Down

IA 3.2 5.5 6.7 5.2 5.4 2.6 6.0 7.8 8.8 9.1 6.0 Up

KS 5.7 11.0 8.9 19.1 11.4 19.2 24.5 9.0 8.9 19.3 13.7 Up

KY 4.3 3.3 2.6 2.4 4.4 3.6 2.2 3.0 2.5 4.7 3.3 Down

LA 1.9 2.6 3.1 5.7 7.1 5.6 4.9 4.3 6.3 10.1 5.2 Up

ME 24.3 29.0 26.7 N/A

MD/2 4.6 8.3 13.0 15.3 13.6 10.8 8.0 7.0 24.7 8.9 11.4 Up

MA 29.6 6.7 18.2 N/A

MI 9.7 13.3 9.6 13.2 13.3 11.3 12.4 17.1 17.4 16.1 13.3 Up

MN 4.5 5.2 5.4 4.9 4.9 5.6 8.2 6.2 8.3 6.9 6.0 Up

MS 1.8 1.2 3.2 4.7 5.5 2.5 2.3 3.7 4.3 3.4 3.3 Up

MO 9.2 15.5 8.7 15.2 17.6 22.8 20.7 21.0 25.0 29.7 18.5 Up

MT 7.2 5.6 6.9 8.5 7.2 6.9 6.2 7.1 7.8 6.5 7.0 Up

NE 6.5 7.0 6.1 8.4 9.5 6.6 5.1 9.4 9.0 14.5 8.2 Up

1/ Trend determined by regression analysis of years 1999-2008.

N/A means data not available.
23

Table 12 (Continued): Inaccessible Rates for the June Area Survey from 1999 

 through 2008.

Key: Red signifies an increase in the inaccessible rate from the previous year.

Blue signifies a decrease in the inaccessible rate from previous year.

Up means the overall inaccessible rate (using regression analysis) is increasing.

Down means the overall inaccessible rate (using regression analysis) is decreasing.

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Avg. Trend1/

NV 5.6 0.0 26.3 9.1 4.8 16.7 11.8 30.8 43.8 17.2 16.6 Up

New 

Eng2/ 4.9 5.8 6.2 4.3 5.5 5.1 13.3 10.7 N/A N/A 7.0 Up

NH 2.2 17.8 10.0 N/A

NJ 9.5 6.8 6.4 8.6 0.0 19.6 15.6 15.0 15.8 16.5 11.4 Up

NM 7.6 13.8 14.0 9.2 15.4 14.5 17.4 12.7 11.7 15.7 13.2 Up

NY 5.1 5.2 7.3 7.1 9.5 7.2 13.4 5.3 15.5 12.9 8.9 Up

NC 2.9 6.0 6.1 9.6 10.6 9.4 6.1 8.4 8.8 8.2 7.6 Up

ND 12.5 8.4 10.5 9.5 10.9 11.1 9.4 9.8 8.8 7.6 9.9 Down

OH 9.0 12.8 14.2 18.1 12.2 15.2 19.0 19.5 13.2 11.3 14.5 Up

OK 11.0 14.4 16.0 11.1 12.7 18.4 22.9 13.6 23.3 16.0 15.9 Up

OR 0.0 1.9 6.1 2.6 4.5 3.1 3.0 0.0 5.9 1.9 2.9 Up

PA 4.0 2.4 3.5 4.9 5.9 5.5 5.9 6.3 7.6 6.3 5.2 Up

RI 0.0 5.9 3.0 N/A

SC 6.3 8.7 6.5 7.2 9.4 3.9 4.9 10.8 10.8 10.3 7.9 Up

SD 4.2 3.5 5.7 7.5 6.1 6.5 8.4 9.8 8.4 11.3 7.1 Up

TN 3.6 5.4 3.0 4.0 5.0 10.2 6.4 3.6 5.7 2.6 5.0 Up

TX 5.2 4.6 8.5 6.2 6.3 9.1 6.6 7.2 6.0 6.1 6.6 Up

UT 6.1 3.0 6.7 10.0 9.1 13.4 10.7 15.2 12.5 16.3 10.3 Up

VT 19.3 10.2 14.8 N/A

VA 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.2 4.0 8.4 10.0 6.6 12.0 6.6 Up

WA 10.5 17.6 18.3 17.5 21.6 24.6 14.7 14.0 9.2 16.5 16.5 Down

WV 3.6 2.7 2.8 4.1 0.0 4.3 5.1 2.1 2.9 4.5 3.2 Up

WI 2.9 4.0 5.3 5.0 4.8 6.6 5.8 3.4 5.9 4.8 4.9 Up

WY 8.9 13.6 7.1 13.0 13.2 15.5 13.5 9.4 5.6 10.2 11.0 Down

US 6.2 7.4 7.9 8.9 8.8 9.6 9.4 9.1 9.6 11.3 8.8 Up

1/ Trend determined by regression analysis of years 1999-2008.

2/ New England includes the states of (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode

 Island, and Vermont). Individual states’ response rates were broken out in 2007 and 2008.

N/A means data not available.
24

11. REFUSAL OR INACCESSIBLE?

The Nevada Field Office has maintained one 

of the lowest refusal rates (near zero) over 

time. However, Nevada has an extremely 

high and volatile inaccessible rate of 0 to 44 

percent. The reason for this is that if parts 

of a segment fall within Indian Reservations

which have refused in the past, the segments 

are simply kept in the office and coded as 

inaccessible. These situations should 

actually be coded as refusals.

12. POSSIBLE APPROACHES TO

MAINTAINING/IMPROVING 

RESPONSE RATES

States having a high response rate through 

time (Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, 

Pennsylvania and West Virginia) were 

contacted to determine if these field offices 

were doing something unique in or in 

addition to their normal field enumerator 

training. These field offices’ Directors, 

Deputies and/or statisticians overseeing the 

survey were contacted.

The Kentucky Field Office believes that 

keeping field enumerator workloads at or 

under 10 segments each is very important. 

Pre-screening of probable non-agricultural

segments and new segments is also 

conducted ahead of time, although no 

interviews take place until the official data 

collection start date. Low turnover of field 

enumerator staff is also beneficial. Training 

is conducted by a mix of field enumerator 

supervisors, office staff, and sometimes a 

guest speaker. Field enumerator supervisors 

also work with new field enumerators before 

the workshop so that the survey is not 

completely new when training commences. 

The Mississippi Field Office runs a 

competition among the various field 

enumerator supervisors and their enumerator

staffs. A small prize is given out to the 

group having the overall best response rate. 

If an enumerator encounters a refusal, a 

different enumerator is sent out to try to 

obtain a completed report. The office

typically does not conduct any pre-survey 

work, believing that the element of surprise 

obtains better results. Also, a field 

enumerator is given the same segments/land 

area to enumerate from year to year. 

Several of the enumerators also have an 

agricultural background and have collected 

data for NASS for many years. More survey 

work is allocated to those with the best 

productivity. The Mississippi Field Office 

feels that having a positive attitude and

knowing agriculture and the questionnaire 

makes the difference. 

West Virginia’s enumerators are very 

similar to Mississippi’s. However, West 

Virginia holds mini-training workshops and 

relies primarily on the field enumerator 

supervisors to instruct the field enumerator 

staff. They also practice ways to greet a 

respondent, how to start off an interview and 

just simply how to be likeable. Also, a 

personalized thank-you note is sent thanking 

the operator for his/her participation.

The Pennsylvania Field Office tries to have 

a field enumerator cover the same 

operations/land areas from year to year. 

They feel that this creates a rapport that 

stimulates participation. The field training 

is conducted differently by having each 

enumerator complete a mocked segment at 

the workshop. The supervisory field 

enumerators are the primary instructors with 

field office staff providing assistance and 

additional feedback. This replaces the 

standard (classroom style) training method 

of reviewing each section of the 
25

questionnaire, with office staff being the 

primary instructors.

The Florida Field Office feels that the first 

of two primary reasons for a turnaround in 

their response rates is the availability of an 

on-line database of Florida land owners. 

This is openly available and provides the 

field enumerator with a good contact to start 

with. The second is the use of Info USA’s 

telephone number finder called Powerfinder. 

The Florida Field Office staff feels that this 

software provides a more current telephone 

number than what is on the list frame.

Florida only has a small number of segments 

(100). This is viewed as a negative in that

it’s especially crucial that each segment is

completed since those that are estimated 

could have a large negative impact on the 

estimates. On the upside, this small number 

provides for more easily manageable 

workloads, while still providing the six 

supervisory field enumerators with enough 

work to do a thorough job. These 

supervisory field enumerators are generally 

50+ years of age and have an agricultural 

background. Supervisory field enumerators 

attend a one day training workshop by office 

staff. They then take what they learned and 

train their own field enumerators. 

Based on this information, the authors 

suggest that field offices below the 80

percent threshold reach out to their fellow 

field offices having a good response rate and 

try to implement techniques that are working 

in those high response rate states. Also, at 

the next NASS Management Conference, 

consider having a session conducted by 

those field offices with high response rates 

to share what they are doing to 

maintain/improve their response rates.

13. FIRE UP RESPONSE

Fire Up Response is a training course 

developed by NASS for training field 

enumerators on how to handle potential 

nonresponse situations. A substantial part of 

the training involves role playing various 

nonresponse situations and demonstrating 

the best techniques to obtain cooperation. 

Although partially implemented in the past, 

the effects of the training were never 

measured. Therefore, the authors 

recommend updating, formalizing, and 

implementing the Fire Up Response training

in those states with lower response rates and 

measure whether the training has any effect

on them.

14. LESSONS LEARNED

For future nonresponse studies, the 

statistician overseeing the survey needs to 

re-emphasize to the field enumerators the 

importance of collecting reasons for the

nonresponse.

The nonresponse tables should be provided 

to the field offices by April of the following 

year, allowing them to be used at the JAS 

training workshops. Hence, the authors 

suggest that the Survey Processing System 

or the Interactive Data Analysis System 

produce output for each state to enable them 

to view their own reasons for nonresponse 

counts.

15. CONCLUSION 

This research has generated additional

interest across the agency in improving 

response rates. Implementation of the 

recommendations will not completely solve

the deterioration of response rates; however, 
26

it is a step in the right direction. The 

recommendations proposed are also not 

limited to the JAS but can be implemented 

on NASS’ 400 other surveys where 

practical.

During the writing of this report, response 

rates for the 2009 June Area Survey were 

published. The overall response rate 

improved 1.8 percentage points to 82.0

percent, with the majority of improvement 

in the area of inacccessibles. This upswing 

in response rates may be due, at least in part,

to this research project causing a greater 

awareness of nonresponse and the 

importance of improving response rates. 

Also, requiring the field enumerators to 

write the reason for a questionnaire being 

marked as inaccessible might have given the 

field enumerators more incentive to 

complete those interviews that required a 

little more work than normal to complete. 

In the future, the Research and Development 

Division will continue to work with field 

offices and NASS’ Survey Administration 

Branch in studying nonresponse to 

effectively increase future response rates. 

16. REFERENCES

Beckler, D., J. McCarthy, K. Ott. (2006) The 

Effect of Incentives on Response in 2005 

ARMS Phase 3 Interviews, Research and 

Development Division Report RDD-06-06, 

United States Department of Agriculture, 

National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Beckler, D., P. Horvath, K. Ott. (2005) 

Indirect Monetary Incentives for the 2004 

ARMS Phase 3 Core, Research and 

Development Division Report RDD-05-05, 

United States Department of Agriculture, 

National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Gerling, M., H. Tran, M. Earp. (2008)

Nonresponse in Phase III of the Agricultural 

Resource Management Survey in Louisiana, 

Research and Development Division Report

RDD-08-07, United States Department of 

Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics 

Service.

Gerling, M., H. Tran, M. Earp. (2008)

Categorizing Nonresponse Occurring in the 

2007 June area Survey (California, Kansas, 

New York, Virginia and Washington), 

Research and Development Division Report 

RDD-08-09, United States Department of 

Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics 

Service. 

O’Connor, T., (1991) Identifying And 

Classifying Reasons For Non-response On 

The 1990 Farm Costs And Returns Survey, 

Research and Development Division Report 

SRB-91-11, United States Department of 

Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics 

Service.

O’Connor, T., (1992) Identifying And 

Classifying Reasons For Non-response On 

The 1991 Farm Costs And Returns Survey, 

Research and Development Division Report 

SRB-92-10, United States Department of 

Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics 

Service.

Ott, L., (1988) An Introduction To Statistical 

Methods And Data Analysis Third Edition, 

Boston, Massachusetts: PWS-Kent 

Publishing Company.
27

Appendix A

Reasons for Nonresponse Coding Sheet
28
29

Appendix B

Reasons for Refusals by Region
30

Table B1: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals in Region 1

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 397 28.7 "You contact me too often" 25 1.8

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an interview.

6 0.4

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

3 0.2

Would not take time / 

too busy 224 16.2

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

23 1.7 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 5 0.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

2 0.1

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

187 13.5 Family illness / death. 20 1.4 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 5 0.4

Currently has or 

recently had disease 

problem with 

herd/crops.

2 0.1

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 93 6.7

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

18 1.3

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

5 0.4 Quitting farming 1 0.1

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

87 6.3

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

11 0.8

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

4 0.3

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.1

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

80 5.8 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 10 0.7

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

3 0.2

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

1 0.1

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

64 4.6

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

9 0.7

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

3 0.2

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

state cooperator.

1 0.1

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 51 3.7 "This is not a farm". 7 0.5 Does not want to talk about farming 3 0.2

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

1 0.1

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 27 2.0 Would not keep appointments 6 0.4

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

2 0.1

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

- -

Total Missing 73 Total 

(Excludes Missing) 1,387
31

Table B2: 2008 June Area Survey Reasons for Refusals in Region 2

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 86 25.8

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

6 1.8

Would not answer the 

door even though they 

were home.

1 0.3 Would not keep 

appointments - -

Would not take time / 

too busy 67 20.1 Family illness / death. 5 1.5

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

1 0.3

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

42 12.6

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

4 1.2

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

1 0.3

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 37 11.1 Violent / threatening refusal. 3 0.9

Currently has or 

recently had disease 

problem with 

herd/crops.

1 0.3

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

18 5.4 I did this survey 

before, but not again. 3 0.9 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 0.3

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

16 4.8

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

3 0.9

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.3

Does not want to

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 13 3.9 Wants to be paid for interview time. 2 0.6 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 7 2.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

1 0.3

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- - Quitting farming - -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

6 1.8 "This is not a farm". 1 0.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Total Missing 34 Total (Excludes 

Missing) 333
32

Table B3: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals in Region 3

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 220 24.2 Quitting farming 18 2.0 Violent / threatening refusal. 5 0.6 Wants to be paid for interview time. 1 0.1

Would not take time / 

too busy 187 20.5

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

15 1.7 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 4 0.4

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.1

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

130 14.3 Would not keep 

appointments 14 1.5

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

3 0.3

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.1

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 64 7.0 Family illness / death. 13 1.4

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

3 0.3

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

1 0.1

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

52 5.7

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

9 1.0

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

3 0.3

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 50 5.5 I did this survey before, but not again. 8 0.9

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

3 0.3

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

37 4.1 "You contact me too 

often" 8 0.9 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. 2 0.2

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

25 2.7

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

7 0.8 "This is not a farm". 2 0.2

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

19 2.1 Does not want 

to talk about farming 5 0.6

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 0.1

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Total Missing 40 Total 

(Excludes Missing) 911
33

Table B4: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals in Region 4

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 186 27.6

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

12 1.8 Would not keep 

appointments 4 0.6

Spouse / secretary

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

2 0.3

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

94 13.95

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

10 1.5 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” 4 0.6 Does not want to talk about farming 1 0.2

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

68 10.1 Family illness / death. 8 1.2 "This is not a farm". 4 0.6 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 1 0.2

Would not take time / 

too busy 55 8.2 I did this survey before, but not again. 7 1.0

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

3 0.5 Quitting farming 1 0.2

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 55 8.2

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

7 1.0

Feels the survey items 

are too complex - too 

much recollection is 

involved.

3 0.5

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

1 0.2

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 44 6.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

6 0.9

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

3 0.5

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

33 4.9

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

5 0.7 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 2 0.3

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

27 4.0

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

5 0.7

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

2 0.3

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 14 2.1 Violent / threatening refusal. 5 0.7

Questionnaire pulled 

to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

2 0.3

Technical problems –

stored electronic data 

not available.

- -

Total Missing 47 Total 

(Excludes Missing) 674
34

Table B5: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals in Region 5

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 59 30.1

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

4 2.0 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” 1 0.5

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 34 17.4

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

3 1.5

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.5

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

26 13.3 "You contact me too 

often" 3 1.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

1 0.5

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 14 7.1 Family illness / death. 3 1.5 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 0.5

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

9 4.6 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 3 1.5 Does not want to talk about farming 1 0.5

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

7 3.6 "This is not a farm". 3 1.5 Would not keep 

appointments - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 7 3.6

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

2 1.0

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

7 3.6 Quitting farming 2 1.0

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 4 2.0

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

1 0.5 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Tech. problems, data 

stored electronically, 

not available.

- -

Total Missing 22 Total 

(Excludes Missing) 196
35

Table B6: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Refusals in Region 6

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 41 27.7

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 2.0 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 23 15.5 Violent / threatening refusal. 3 2.0

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 17 11.5 "You contact me too often" 2 1.4 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

13 8.8

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

2 1.4 I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

13 8.8 Would not keep 

appointments 2 1.4 Does not want to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 9 6.1 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 0.7

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the farmer 

more than help.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

8 5.4 Quitting farming 1 0.7

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

4 2.7 Family illness / death. 1 0.7

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

4 2.7

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

1 0.7 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1

Total 

(Excludes Missing) 148
36

Appendix C

Reasons for Inaccessibles by Region
37

 Table C1: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 1

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 484 38.9 The operator is away on an extended vacation. 11 0.9

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 454 36.3

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 7 0.6

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 76 6.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 4 0.3

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 60 4.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 4 0.3

The operator is away on business. 52 4.3

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 3 0.2

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 46 3.7

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 21 1.7

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 13 1.1 Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 117

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 13 1.1 Total (Excludes Missing) 1,252

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. 
38

 Table C2: 2008 June Area Survey, Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 2

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 138 44.2 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 2 0.6

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 73 23.4 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 1 0.3

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 22 7.1 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. 1 0.3

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 19 6.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on business. 17 5.5 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 14 4.5 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 10 3.2

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 8 2.6 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 74

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 7 2.2 Total (Excludes Missing) 312

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible.
39

 Table C3: Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 3

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 504 43.1 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 10 0.9

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 409 35.0 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. 3 0.3

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 62 5.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 2 0.2

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 39 3.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 3 0.3

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 38 3.3 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. 1 0.1

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 35 3.0 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 33 2.9

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 16 1.4 Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 101

The operator is away on business. 15 1.3 Total (Excludes Missing) 1,170

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. 
40

 Table C4: Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 4

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 271 47.3 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 7 1.2

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 130 22.68 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 4 0.7

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 70 12.2 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. 1 0.2

The operator is away on business. 26 4.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. 1 0.2

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 20 3.5 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 1 0.2

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 11 2.0

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 16 2.8

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 5 0.9 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 44

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 10 1.8 Total (Excludes Missing) 573

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. 
41

 Table C5: Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 5

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 49 41.2 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 1 0.8

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 26 21.9 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 0.8

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 9 7.6 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 1 0.8

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 8 6.7 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 8 6.7 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

The operator is away on business. 5 4.2 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 5 4.2

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 4 3.4 Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 40

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 1.7 Total (Missing Excluded) 119

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. 
42

 Table C6: Reasons for Inaccessibles in Region 6

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 120 45.1 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 2 0.8

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 51 19.2 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 1 0.4

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 30 11.3 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 1 0.4

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 27 10.2 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. 1 0.4

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 15 5.6 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 8 3.0 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on business. 4 1.5

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not 

available. 4 1.5 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 0.8 Total (Excludes Missing) 266

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerator failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. 
43

Appendix D

Reasons for Refusals by State
44

Table D1: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Alabama)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

16 31.4

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 2.0 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 11 21.6

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 2.0 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

7 13.8 Would not take time / 

too busy 1 2.0

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 5 9.8 Would not keep appointments. - -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 3.9

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 2 3.9

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

2 3.9

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 1 2.0 I did this survey before, but not again. - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 2.0 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 6 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 51 100%
45

Table D2: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Arizona)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 4 57.1

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 2 28.6

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 1 14.3

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 7 100%
46

Table D3: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Arkansas)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 50 36.5

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 1.5 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - - "This is not a farm". - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

39 28.5 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 2 1.5

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 12 8.8 Family illness / death. 2 1.5 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 7 5.1 I did this survey before, but not again. 1 0.7 Violent / threatening refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

6 4.4 "You contact me too 

often" 1 0.7 Would not keep appointments - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

5 3.7 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 0.7 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

4 2.9

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 3 2.2

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative.”

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

2 1.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 137 100%
47

Table D4: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (California)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 37 26.2

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 2

I did this survey 

before, but not again - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not take time / 

too busy 22 15.6

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

3 2.1

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 17 12.1 Would not keep appointments 2 1.4

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

13 9.2 "You contact me too 

often" 2 1.4

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

13 9.2

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

2 1.4 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

8 5.7

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

1 0.7

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 7 5.0 Quitting farming 1 0.7 "This is not a farm". - -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

4 2.8 Family illness / death. 1 0.7

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the farmer 

more than help.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

4 2.8

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 141 100%
48

Table D5: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Colorado)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 46 49.5

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

2 2.2 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

-

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

11 11.8

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 1.1 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

-

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

6 6.5

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 1.1

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

-

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 5 5.4

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 1.1 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

I did this survey 

before, but not again -

Would not take time / 

too busy 5 5.4 Violent / threatening refusal. 1 1.1 "This is not a farm". - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

-

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 3 3.2 Would not keep appointments.

1 1.1 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

-

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

3 3.2 Quitting farming. 1 1.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

-

"You contact me too 

often." 2 2.2

Out of business now,

will not answer for 

previous year.

1 1.1 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

-

Family illness / death. 2 2.2

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 1.1

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

-

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 93 100%
49

Table D6: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Delaware)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 5 50

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 20

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 2 20

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 10

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 10 100%
50

Table D7: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Florida)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

4 33.3

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 3 25

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 2 16.7

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 1 8.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 1 8.3

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 8.3

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - - Quitting farming - -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 12 100%
51

Table D8: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Georgia)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 18 23.7

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 1.3 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 15 19.7

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 1.3

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 13 17.1

Has or recently had 

disease problem with 

herd/crops.

1 1.3 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

8 10.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

7 9.2

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 6 7.9

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

4 5.3 "You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 1.3 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 1.3 Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 76 100%
52

Table D9: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Idaho)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 19 38.8

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 2.0 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 9 18.4

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

8 16.3

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 7 14.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 2.0

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 2.0

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 2.0 "You contact me too often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 1 2.0 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 2.0 Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - - Quitting farming - -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 49 100%
53

Table D10: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Illinois)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 71 38.4 Known refusal, no contact attempted. 4 2.2 Wants to be paid for interview time. 1 0.5

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 21 11.4

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

3 1.6

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

state cooperator.

1 0.5 Family illness / death. - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

13 7.0 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 3 1.6

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

12 6.5 "This is not a farm". 2 1.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”

- -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

10 5.4

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.5 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 7 3.8

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

1 0.5 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Would not take time / 

too busy - -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

6 3.2

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 0.5 Quitting farming - -

Would not keep 

appointments - -

"You contact me too 

often" 4 2

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.5

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

4 2.2

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.5

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 185 100%
54

Table D11: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Indiana)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

36 25.7 Family illness / death. 2 1.4 Respondent only does 

compulsory surveys. - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 31 22.1 I did this survey before, but not again. 2 1.4 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

17 12.1

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

1 0.7

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

15 10.7 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 1 0.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

10 3.6

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 0.7 Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 8 5.7 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 0.7 Does not want to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 7 5.0

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

1 0.7 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 6 4.3 Would not keep appointments 1 0.7

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 4 2.9 "This is not a farm". 1 0.7

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 3 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 140 100%
55

Table D12: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Iowa)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 99 43.0 I did this survey before, but not again. 4 1.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.4 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

28 12.2 Would not keep 

appointments 2 0.9 "This is not a farm". - -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

22 9.6

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

2 0.9

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 17 7.4

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

2 0.9 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 17 7.4

Has or recently had 

disease problem with 

herd/crops.

2 0.9 Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

11 4.8

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

1 0.4 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

7 3.0

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

1 0.4 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Family illness / death. 6 2.6 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 0.4

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 6 2.62

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

1 0.4

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 27 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 230 100%
56

Table D13: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Kansas)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 98 34.6

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

6 2.1

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.4

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 55 19.4 I did this survey before, but not again. 5 1.8

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an interview.

1 0.4

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

31 11.0 Family illness / death. 5 1.8

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 21 7.4

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

4 1.4

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 0.4

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 12 4.2 "I just did a survey for someone else." 3 1.1 "This is not a farm". 1 0.4

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

9 3.2 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 2 0.7 Does not want to talk about farming - -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

9 3.2 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 2 0.7 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

7 2.5 "You contact me too 

often" 2 0.7

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

6 2.1 Would not keep 

appointments 1 0.4

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and not

available.

- -

Total Missing 9 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 283 100%
57

Table D14: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Kentucky)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

5 25.0 Does not want 

to talk about farming.

1 5.0 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 4 20.0

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - - "This is not a farm". - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 2 10.0

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

2 10.0 Would not take time / 

too busy - -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

2 10.0

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home. 

1 5.0

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Would not keep 

appointments - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 5.0

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 5.0 "You contact me too often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 1 5.0 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 20 100%
58

Table D15: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Louisiana)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 9 18.8 Violent / threatening refusal. 1 2.1 “I just did a different survey for your office.” - - "This is not a farm". - -

Refused but no 

reason given. 8 16.7

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

7 14.6

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

7 14.6

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 6 12.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments 4 8.3

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 2 4.2

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 2 4.2 "You contact me too often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Family illness / death. 2 4.2

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 8 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 48 100%
59

Table D16: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Maine)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

4 40.0 Known refusal, no 

contact attempted - -

“I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Refused but no 

reason given. 3 30.0

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

3 30.0

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"This is not a farm". - -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments - - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 10 100%
60

Table D17: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Maryland)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 3 18.8 Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 6.3 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 6.3

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

2 12.5

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

2 12.5

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 2 12.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 6.3

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 6.3

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

1 6.3 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 1 6.3 Family illness / death. - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. 1 6.3 Would not keep appointments - - "This is not a farm". - - Quitting farming - -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 16 100%
61

Table D18: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Michigan)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

9 22.0 Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 1 2.4 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 6 14.6

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 2.4

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 6 14.6 Would not keep appointments 1 2.4 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 3 7.3 "This is not a farm". 1 2.4 Violent / threatening refusal. - -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 7.3

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

3 7.3

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 3 7.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

2 4.9 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

2 4.9 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Feels the survey items 

are too complex - too 

much recollection is 

involved.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 41 100%
62

Table D19: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Minnesota)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 28 24.8

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 1.8 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 15 13.3

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

2 1.8

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

14 12.4

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 0.9 Family illness / death. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 12 10.6

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.9 Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

11 9.7 "This is not a farm". 1 0.9 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

8 7.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

1 0.9

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments - -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

7 6.2

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.9

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

4 3.5 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 1 0.9

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 3 2.7 I did this survey before, but not again. 1 0.9 "You contact me too often" - - Quitting farming - -

Total Missing 31 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 113 100%
63

Table D20: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Mississippi)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 9 56.3

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

4 25.0

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 3 18.8

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is

involved.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not available.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - - Quitting farming - -

Total Missing 4 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 16 100%
64

Table D21: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Missouri)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 73 38.8 I did this survey before, but not again. 3 1.6 Wants to be paid for interview time. 1 0.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 27 14.4

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

3 1.6 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 1 0.5

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 17 9.0

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

3 1.6 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 0.5

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

11 5.9

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

3 1.6 Family illness / death. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 9 4.8 Violent / threatening refusal. 2 1.1

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

8 4.3

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

2 1.1 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

7 3.7 "You contact me too 

often" 2 1.1

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments 7 3.7

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

1 0.5

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

6 3.2

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

1 0.5 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 188 100%
65

Table D22: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Montana)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 22 19.6

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

2 1.8 Respondent only does 

compulsory surveys. 1 0.9

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 17 15.2 Family illness / death. 2 1.8 Violent / threatening refusal. - -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

15 13.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

2 1.8

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

15 13.4

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.9 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 12 10.7

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.9 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 6 5.4 I did this survey before, but not again. 1 0.9 Quitting farming - -

Would not keep 

appointments - -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

5 4.5 "You contact me too 

often" 1 0.9

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

4 3.6 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 0.9

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

3 2.7

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 0.9 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 112 100%
66

Table D23: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Nebraska)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 78 27.5 "You contact me too often" 5 1.8 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 0.35

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

1 0.4

Would not take time / 

too busy 51 18.0 I did this survey before, but not again. 4 1.4

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

1 0.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

50 17.6 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 4 1.4 Wants to be paid for interview time. 1 0.4

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

19 6.7

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

4 1.4

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.4

Figures for the 

previous year were 

not typical.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

15 5.3

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

3 1.1 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 0.4

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

12 4.2

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

2 0.7

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

1 0.4

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 9 3.2

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

2 0.7

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

1 0.4 Quitting farming - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 7 2.5 Family illness / death. 2 0.7

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.4 Would not keep 

appointments - -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

5 1.8

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 0.7 "This is not a farm". 1 0.4

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically /not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 3 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 284 100%
67

Table D24: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (New Hampshire)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 1 100.0

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. - -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 1 100%
68

Table D25: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (New Jersey)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 3 37.5

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 12.5

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 1 12.5 Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 12.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 12.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 12.5

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 4 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 8 100%
69

Table D26: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (New Mexico)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 5 35.7

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

2 14.3

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 2 14.3

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

2 14.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 7.1

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 7.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 7.1

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Total Missing 6 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 14 100%
70

Table D27: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (New York)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 13 44.8

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

4 13.8

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 10.3

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 3 10.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Family illness / death. 2 6.9

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 3.5

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. 1 3.5 "You contact me too often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 1 3.5 I did this survey before, but not again. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 1 3.5 Would not keep appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 29 100%
71

Table D28: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (North Carolina)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 16 31.4 Family illness / death. 1 2.0 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 16 31.4

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

1 2.0

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

4 7.8 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 1 2.0 Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

3 5.9

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 2.0

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the farmer 

more than help.

- -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 2 3.9

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 2 3.9

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

2 3.9 I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

"This is not a farm". 1 2.0

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. 1 2.0 Would not keep appointments - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 14 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 51 100%
72

Table D29: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (North Dakota)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 53 27.5 Violent / threatening refusal. 4 2.1 Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 0.5

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

28 14.5

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

4 2.1 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 1 0.5

The respondent feels 

the operation’s

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

25 13.0

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

3 1.6 Wants to be paid for 

interview time. 1 0.5

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 16 8.3

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

3 1.6 Would not keep 

appointments - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 13 6.7

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 1.6 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 11 5.7

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

2 1.0 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

10 5.2 I did this survey 

before, but not again. 2 1.0

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 5 2.6 Family illness / death. 2 1.0

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

4 2.1 "This is not a farm". 2 1.0 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically / not -

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 193 100%
73

Table D30: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Ohio)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

16 29.1 Does not want 

to talk about farming 1 1.8 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

9 16.4 "You contact me too 

often" 1 1.8

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

7 12.7 I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 1.8 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 7 12.7

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

1 1.8 Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 4 7.3

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

2 3.6

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 2 3.6 "I just did a survey for someone else." - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

2 3.6

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Family illness / death. 1 1.8 Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

electronic data not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 23 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 55 100%
74

Table D31: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Oklahoma)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 63 30.4 Family illness / death. 4 1.9 Farm records are at tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not keep 

appointments - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

38 18.4

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

2 1.0

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 36 17.4 "You contact me too often" 2 1.0 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Quitting farming 17 8.2 Violent / threatening 

refusal. 1 0.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

- -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 10 4.8

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 0.5 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 9 4.4

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.5

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

8 3.9 I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 0.5

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

6 2.9 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." 1 0.5

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

6 2.9

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 0.5 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 20 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 207 100%
75

Table D32: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Oregon)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 35 43.2

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

2 2.5 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 10 12.4

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

2 2.5

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

6 7.4 Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 1 1.2 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

5 6.2

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 1.2 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

5 6.2

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

1 1.2 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

4 4.9 "This is not a farm". 1 1.2 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Quitting farming 2 2.5 "You contact me too 

often" 1 1.2

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. 2 2.5 Family illness / death. 1 1.2

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again - -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

2 2.5 Would not keep 

appointments

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 81 100%
76

Table D33: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Pennsylvania)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 22 48.9

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 2.2 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 8 17.8 Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 2.2

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 6.7 I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 3 6.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

2 4.4

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

2 4.4

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 1 2.2

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments 1 2.2 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

1 2.2 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

electronic data not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 2 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 45 100%
77

Table D34: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Rhode Island)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

1 33.3

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 33.3

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 1 33.3

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 3 100%
78

Table D35: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (South Carolina)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 25 75.8

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 5 15.2

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 3.0

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 3.0

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 3.0

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 13 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 33 100%
79

Table D36: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (South Dakota)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 41 31.3

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

2 1.5

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an interview.

1 0.8 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

22 16.8

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

2 1.5

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 13 9.92 Family illness / death. 2 1.5 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 11 8.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

1 0.8 Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

10 7.6

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

1 0.8 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

7 5.3

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.8 Quitting farming - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 6 4.6

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

1 0.8

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

5 3.8

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

1 0.8

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 3 2.3 Would not keep appointments 1 0.8 "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 9 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 131 100%
80

Table D37: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Tennessee)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 16 41.0

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 2.6 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 6 15.4

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 6 15.4

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

3 7.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

2 5.1

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 2 5.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 2.6

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 2.6 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 2.6 Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 39 100%
81

Table D38: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Texas)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 77 26.6

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

7 2.4

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

1 0.4 "I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

36 12.5

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

4 1.4

Questionnaire was not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 0.4

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 36 12.5 Does not want to talk about farming 3 1.0

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 0.4

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 29 10.0 "You contact me too often" 3 1.04 Violent / threatening refusal. 1 0.4

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

27 9.3 Family illness / death. 3 1.04

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 0.4

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

15 5.2 Would not keep 

appointments 3 1.04 Quitting farming 1 0.4

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 12 4.2

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / 

lawyers.

2 0.7 I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 0.4

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

11 3.8 "This is not a farm". 2 0.7

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

7 2.4

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

2 0.7

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the FO 

or NASS (other than 

confidentiality).

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 1 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 289 100%
82

Table D39: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Utah)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 4 18.2

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

1 4.6 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

4 18.2

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 4.6

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

3 13.6 Refused but no 

reason given. 1 4.6 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 2 9.1

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not keep 

appointments 2 9.1 I did this survey before, but not again. - -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

1 4.6

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

1 4.6 "You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"This is not a farm". 1 4.6 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

1 4.6

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 22 100%
83

Table D40: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Vermont)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 6 46.2

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 5 38.5

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 7.7

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 7.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

"You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems – 

data stored 

electronically - not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 13 100%
84

Table D41: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Virginia)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 10 38.5 Wants to be paid for interview time. 1 3.9 Farm records are attax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

3 11.5

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 3.9

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 3 11.5 Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 3.9 Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 2 2.7

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 3.9

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

1 3.9 I did this survey 

before, but not again - - Quitting farming - -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 1 3.9 "I just did a survey for someone else." - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 3.9 Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

1 3.9 Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and are 

currently not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 26 100%
85

Table D42: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Washington)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Would not take time / 

too busy 15 22.7 Family illness / death. 2 3.0 Violent / threatening refusal. 1 1.5

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

13 19.7 "This is not a farm". 2 3.0

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 6 9.1 "I just did a survey for someone else." 1 1.5 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 5 7.6

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 1.5 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers.

- -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 4 6.1

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 1.5

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

3 4.6

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

1 1.5 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 3 4.6

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 1.5 Would not keep 

appointments - -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

3 4.6

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

1 1.5

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 2 3.0 Does not want to talk about farming 1 1.5

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 22 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 66 100%
86

Table D43: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (West Virginia)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Refused but no 

reason given. 3 27.3

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government." 

1 9.1 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

- -

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

1 9.1

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the

interview.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

1 9.1

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

- -

Would not take time / 

too busy 1 9.1

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Would not answer the 

door even though 

they were home.

1 9.1

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

Family illness / death. 1 9.1

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 1 9.1 "You contact me too often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

1 9.1 Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 11 100%
87

Table D44: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Wisconsin)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

14 23.3

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

2 3.3 Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not take time / 

too busy 9 15.0

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

2 3.3 “I just did a different 

survey for your office.” - -

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do surveys." 8 13.3 Family illness / death. 1 1.7 Wants to be paid for interview time. - -

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

6 10.0 Would not keep 

appointments 1 1.7 Violent / threatening refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection involved.

- -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. 4 6.7

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

1 1.7 Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

"You contact me too 

often" 3 5.0

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 1.7 Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

2 3.3

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

1 1.7

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Questionnaire not 

sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 2 3.3 "This is not a farm". 1 1.7

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

Refused but no 

reason given. 2 3.3

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

- -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

- -

Tech problems– data 

stored electronically 

and not available.

- -

Total Missing 0 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 60 100%
88

Table D45: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Refusals (Wyoming)

Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. % Reasons for Refusal No. %

Contact attempted, 

but respondent 

refuses on all 

surveys, and refused 

this one.

3 30.0 Would not take time / 

too bus - -

Farm records are at 

tax advisors / lawyers. - -

Would not answer 

the door even though 

they were home.

- -

Does not believe in 

statistics, so will not 

complete an 

interview.

2 20.0

"I do not like surveys 

/ I do not do 

surveys."

- -

The respondent feels 

the operation’s 

records are 

inadequate to 

complete the 

interview.

- -

The operator called 

the office after 

reviewing the presurvey letter, and 

asked not to be 

contacted further. 

- -

"I will have nothing to 

do with the 

Government."

1 10.0

Respondent only 

does compulsory 

surveys.

- -

Wants to be paid for 

interview time. - -

I did this survey 

before, but not again. - -

Known refusal, no 

contact attempted. 1 10.0 Refused but no reason given. - -

Violent / threatening 

refusal. - -

Feels the survey 

items are too 

complex - too much 

recollection is 

involved.

- -

Information too 

personal / none of 

your business.

1 10.0

Mentions a specific 

grievance with the 

FO or NASS (other 

than confidentiality).

- -

Does not want 

to talk about farming - -

Spouse / secretary 

/etc. will not let the 

enumerator see the 

operator.

- -

The respondent feels 

that surveys and 

reports hurt the 

farmer more than 

help.

1 10.0

"My farm is too small 

to count / too small to 

be representative”.

- - Quitting farming - -

Does not want to 

report due to legal / 

financial problems.

- -

Does not think the 

information is kept 

confidential.

1 10.0 "You contact me too 

often" - -

Out of business now, 

will not answer for 

previous year.

- -

Will do other surveys, 

but not financial 

surveys.

- -

“I just did a different 

survey for your 

office.”

- - Family illness / death. - -

Figures for the 

previous year were not 

typical.

- -

Questionnaire was 

not sent to the field to 

avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other 

surveys. 

- -

"I just did a survey for 

someone else." - -

Would not keep 

appointments - - "This is not a farm". - -

Technical problems –

data stored 

electronically and not 

available.

- -

Total Missing 6 N/A Total Number and 

Percent 10 100%
89

Appendix E

Reasons for Inaccessibles by State
90

 Table E1: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Alabama)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 19 67.9 No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 21.4

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy 

person.

- -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 3.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 3.6 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 3.6 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 3 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 28 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
91

 Table E2: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessible (Arizona)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 15 71.4 The operator is away on business. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 4 19.1 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. 1 4.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 4.8 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 21 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
92

 Table E3: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessible (Arkansas)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 76 72.4 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 1 1.0

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 15 14.3 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 4 3.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 3 2.9 Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 1.9 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 1.0 The operator is away on business. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 1 1.0

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 1.0 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. 1 1.0 Total(Excludes Missing) 105 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
93

 Table E4: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (California)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 105 42.9 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. 2 0.8

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 47 19.2 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 1 0.4

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 30 12.2 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 1 0.4

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 26 10.6 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 15 6.1 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 9 3.27 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 4 1.6

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not 

available. 4 1.6 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 0.8 Total(Excludes Missing) 245 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
94

 Table E5: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Colorado)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 136 76.4 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 20 11.2 Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 13 7.3 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 4 2.3 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 3 1.7 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 0.6 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 0.6

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 4 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 178 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
95

 Table E6: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Connecticut)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 2 100 The operator is away on business. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - - The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 2 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
96

 Table E7: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Delaware)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 6 100 The operator is away on business. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - - The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 6 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
97

 Table E8: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Florida)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 10 52.6 The operator is away on business.

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 3 15.8 Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being contacted during the survey period. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 10.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists.

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 10.5 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period.

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not 

available. 1 5.3 Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 5.3 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes.

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 19 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
98

 Table E9: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Georgia)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 23 60.5 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 5 13.2 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on business. 5 13.2 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 7.9 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 2.6 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 2.6 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 1 N/A

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 38 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
99

 Table E10: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Idaho)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 10 30.3 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 9 27.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 3 9.1 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 3 9.1 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 6.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 6.1 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 2 6.1

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 3.0 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 3.0 Total

(Excludes Missing) 33 100%

 1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
100

 Table E11: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Illinois)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 64 58.2 Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 31 28.2 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 5 4.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 4 3.6 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 4 3.6 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

The operator is away on business. 2 1.8 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 1 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 111 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
101

 Table E12: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Indiana)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 64 56.6 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 26 23.0 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on business. 12 10.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 6 5.3 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 1.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 1.8 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 0.9

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 113 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
102

 Table E13: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Iowa)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 65 36.1 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 1 0.6

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 43 23.9 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. 1 0.6

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 42 23.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 1 0.6

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 8 4.4 Illness / death in the family prevents the operator from responding. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 3.3 No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 5 2.8 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 3 1.7

The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ 

no structure exists. 3 1.7 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 21 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 1.1 Total

(Excludes Missing) 180 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
103

 Table E14: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Kansas)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 172 57.0 Access to the address on the label was denied 

by a gate / guard / etc. 2 0.7

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 52 17.2 The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 0.3

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 40 13.3 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 1 0.3

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 11 3.6 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 10 3.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 4 1.3 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 4 1.3

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 3 1.0 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 5 N/A

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 2 0.7 Total(Excludes Missing) 302 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
104

 Table E15: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Kentucky)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 16 47.1 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 5 14.7 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 4 11.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 3 8.8 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 3 8.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 5.9 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 2.9

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 34 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
105

 Table E16: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Louisiana)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 16 29.6 The operator is away on business. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 15 27.8 Access to the address on the label was denied by a gate / guard / etc. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 9 16.7 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 7 13.0 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 5 9.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 1.9 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 1 1.9

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 20 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 54 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
106

 Table E17: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Maine)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 15 83.3

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy 

person.

- -

The operator is away on business. 2 11.1 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 1 5.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 18 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
107

 Table E18: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Maryland)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 8 42.1 The operator is away on business. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 6 31.6 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 10.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 5.3 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 1 5.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 5.3 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 19 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
108

 Table E19: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Massachusetts)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 1 100.0 The operator is away on business. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - - The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 1 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 1 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
109

 Table E20: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Michigan)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 63 59.4 Access to the address on the label was denied 

by a gate / guard / etc. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 28 26.4 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 1 0.9 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 6 5.7 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

The operator is away on business. 3 2.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 1.9 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 2 1.9

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 0.9 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 106 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
110

 Table E21: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Minnesota)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 18 26.9 Access to the address on the label was denied by a gate / guard / etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 11 16.4 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 10 14.9 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 7 10.5 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 6 9.0 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 9.0 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 4 6.0

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 4 6.0 Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 19 N/A

The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ 

no structure exists. 1 1.5 Total(Excludes Missing) 67 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
111

 Table E22: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Mississippi)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 20 90.9 The operator is away on business. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 2 9.1 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 8 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 22 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
112

 Table E23: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Missouri)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 312 62.5 The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 0.2

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 129 25.9 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 33 6.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 8 1.6 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 4 0.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on business. 4 0.8 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 3 0.6

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 3 0.6 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 2 0.4 Total(Excludes Missing) 499 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
113

 Table E24: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Montana)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 25 47.2 The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 1.9

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 11 20.8 Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 11.3 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 5.7 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 2 3.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 3.8 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. 1 1.9

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 1.9 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 1.9 Total

(Excludes Missing) 53 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
114

 Table E25: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Nebraska)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 128 57.92 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 2 0.9

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 41 18.6 The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 0.5

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 17 7.7 The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 0.5

The operator is away on business. 10 4.5 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 8 3.6 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 6 2.7 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 1.4

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 2 0.9 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 5 N/A

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not 

available. 2 0.9 Total(Excludes Missing) 221 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
115

 Table E26: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Nevada)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 75.0 The operator is away on business. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 25.0

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy 

person.

- -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 4 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
116

 Table E27: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Hampshire)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 5 62.5 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 12.5 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 1 12.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 12.5 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 8 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
117

 Table E28: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Jersey)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 26 96.3 The operator is away on business. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 3.7 Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - - Total 27 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
118

 Table E29: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Mexico)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 5 13.9 The operator is away on business. 2 5.6

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 8 22.2 The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 5.6

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 8.3 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 2.8 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 10 27.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 4 11.1 Farm records are not available until after thesurvey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 23 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 2.8 Total

(Excludes Missing) 36 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
119

 Table E30: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New York)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 10 30.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 9 27.3 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on business. 5 15.2 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 3 9.1 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 9.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 2 6.1 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 3.0

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 33 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
120

 Table E31: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (North Carolina)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 33 43.4 The operator is away on business. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 16 21.1 No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 14 18.4 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 6 6.6 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 4 5.3 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 2.6 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 1 1.3

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 1.3 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 23 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 76 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
121

 Table E32: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (North Dakota)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 30 32.6 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. 2 2.2

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 26 28.3 Access to the address on the label was denied 

by a gate / guard / etc. 2 2.2

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 6 6.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 6.5 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 1 1.1

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 6 6.5 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 4 4.4 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 4 4.4

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 3 3.3 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 2.2 Total

(Excludes Missing) 92 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
122

 Table E33: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Ohio)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 29 90.6 The operator is away on business. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 9.4 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 77 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 32 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
123

 Table E34: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Oklahoma)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 80 54.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 1 0.7

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 34 23.0 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 0.7

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 10 6.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 10 6.8 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

The operator is away on business. 3 2.0 Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 3 2.0 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 3 2.0

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 2 1.4 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 48 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. 1 0.7 Total(Excludes Missing) 148 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
124

 Table E35: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Oregon)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 4 50.0 Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 25.0 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 12.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 1 12.5 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 8 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
125

 Table E36: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Pennsylvania)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 24 48.0 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 12 24.0 Access to the address on the label was denied 

by a gate / guard / etc. - -

The operator is away on business. 5 10.0 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 5 10.0 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 2 4.0 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 2.0 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 2.0

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 2 N/A

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - - Total 50 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
126

 Table E37: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (South Carolina)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 2 66.7 The operator is away on business. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 33.3 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 33 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 3 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
127

 Table E38: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (South Dakota)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 77 56.6 Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 27 19.9 The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 19 14.0 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on business. 4 2.9 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 1.5 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 2 1.5 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 2 1.5

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 1.5 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 9 N/A

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 0.7 Total(Excludes Missing) 136 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
128

 Table E39: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Tennessee)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 13 65.0 No respondent, as listed on the label, could be found. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 2 10.0 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 2 10.0 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 5.0 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 5.0 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 5.0 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 14 N/A

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 20 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
129

 Table E40: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Texas)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 99 34.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned 

out/ no structure exists. 5 1.7

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 92 32.1 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. 2 0.7

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 29 10.1 The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 21 7.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 12 4.2 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 10 3.5 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on business. 6 2.1

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 6 2.1 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 5 1.7 Total(Excludes Missing) 287 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
130

 Table E41: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Utah)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 18 56.3 Access to the address on the label was denied by a gate / guard / etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 7 21.9 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 4 12.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 3.1 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation

from being contacted during the survey period. 1 3.1 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 3.1 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 32 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
131

 Table E42: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Vermont)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 4 50.0 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

The operator is away on business. 2 25.0 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 1 12.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 12.5 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 1 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 8 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
132

 Table E43: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Virginia)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 37 51.4 The address on the label is vacant / burned

out/ no structure exists. 1 1.4

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 14 19.4 Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. 11 15.3 No respondent, as listed on the label, could be found. - -

The operator is away on business. 3 4.2 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 2.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 1.4 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 1.4

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 1.4 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

Respondent postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 1 1.4 Total(Excludes Missing) 72 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
133

 Table E44: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Washington)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 38 41.8 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. 1 1.1

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 18 19.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. 1 1.1

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 14 15.4 Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 7 7.7 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 3 3.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 3 3.3 The address on the label is summer-seasonal housing. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 2 2.2

The operator is away on business. 2 2.2 Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 38 N/A

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 2 2.2 Total

(Excludes Missing) 78 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
134

 Table E45: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (West Virginia)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 9 56.3 No operation, as listed on the label could be found. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. 3 18.8 Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 2 12.5 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on business. 1 6.3 Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 6.3 Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 16 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
135

 Table E46: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Wisconsin)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 16 39.0 Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 13 31.7 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. 5 12.2 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 2 4.9 Respondent postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey period. - -

The operator is away on business. 2 4.9 No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

The operator is away on a brief vacation. 1 2.4 Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not 

available. 1 2.4

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. 1 2.4 Missing1/(Reason not recorded) 0 N/A

The operator is away on an extended vacation. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 41 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.
136

 Table E47: 2008 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Wyoming)

Reasons for Inaccessible No. % Reasons for Inaccessible No. %

Tried several times, could not reach anyone for 

an appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 7 63.6 Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

The operator is away on business. 2 18.2 The operator is away on a brief vacation. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by 

a gate / guard / etc. 1 9.1 The address on the label is vacant / burned out/ no structure exists. - -

The operator is away on an extended vacation. 1 9.1 The address on the label is summer-seasonal 

housing. - -

No operation, as listed on the label could be 

found. - -

Respondent postponed the interview beyond 

the end of the survey period. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation 

from being contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter 

not available. - -

No respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. - -

Illness / death in the family prevents the operator 

from responding. - -

Missing1/

(Reason not recorded) 10 N/A

Farm records are not available until after the 

survey period closes. - -

Total

(Excludes Missing) 11 100%

 

1/ Missing denotes field enumerators failed to record the reason for the inaccessible. N/A means not applicable.