United States 

Department of

Agriculture

National

Agricultural

Statistics

Service

Research and

Development Division

Washington DC 20250

RDD Research Report

Number RDD-11-06

April 2012

Examining Nonresponse

Occurring in the

National Agricultural 

Statistics Service’s 2009 

Agricultural Resource 

Management Survey

Phase III

HoaiNam N. Tran

Michael W. Gerling

Melissa Mitchell

Rich Hopper

Terry O’Connor

This paper 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 the United States and Puerto Rico agriculture. One of NASS’s

primary surveys, the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS), collects data covering 

chemical use and production practices with a specific focus on the financial well-being of 

agricultural operations. ARMS is composed of three phases. Phase I is conducted May through 

July and screens for potential inclusion for Phases II and III. Phase II is conducted October 

through December and collects data on cropping practices and chemical usage. Phase III occurs 

February through April of the following year and collects detailed economic information about 

the agricultural operation and on the operator’s household. The United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) uses ARMS data to evaluate the financial performance of farms and 

ranches, and other critical issues related to agriculture and the rural economy, which influence 

agricultural policy decisions. ARMS data also are used by farm organizations, commodity 

groups, agribusiness, Congress, and state departments of agriculture. 

ARMS Phase III (ARMS III) is the only phase with response rates lower than 80 percent. The 

last ten year’s response rates have fluctuated between a low of 62.8 percent in 2003 to a high of 

70.5 percent in 2005, with the last three years hovering in the upper 60s. The Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) requires surveys to have an 80 percent or greater response rate. 

Surveys falling below this threshold are required to include a nonresponse bias analysis which costs 

staffing resources to determine and account for any bias. Additionally, monetary and other

incentives have been tried but resulted in only a marginal increase in response rates. Hence, 

NASS’s Research and Development Division decided to delve deeper into determining the main 

drivers of nonresponse in ARMS III.

This study takes a step towards reducing nonresponse by first documenting and beginning to 

understand some of the reasons behind it. Once these reasons are better understood, one can then 

focus on those aspects of the data collection process requiring improvement.

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. 

2. Information too personal/intrusive, 

confidentiality concerns. 2. The operator is away on vacation or business.

3. Respondent refuses on all surveys, 

and refused on this one. 3.

No operation or respondent, as 

listed on the label, could be found. 

No structure exists.

4. Will do other surveys, but not 

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

5.

Would not keep appointments or 

postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period.

5. The address on the label is seasonal 

housing or operation is vacant.
iii

RECOMMENDATIONS

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

response rate reaches 80 percent. 

Impact: Nonresponse data will enable NASS to statistically determine if 

particular nonresponse reasons are state specific, regional and/or national. 

Also, this has the potential to determine those aspects of the data 

collection process (questionnaire design, survey promotion, data 

collection) requiring improvement. 

2. Update NASS’s Survey Processing System, Interactive Data Analysis 

System, or Blaise Systems to provide each state with a print-out of their 

state’s reasons for nonresponse. This output would be an extension to the 

enumerator rating and work completion 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 Agricultural Resource Management Survey 

workshops. The statistician who manages the survey should do this.

Impact: Improve the recording of reasons for nonresponse.

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

for refusing to participate in the ARMS III such as: “Respondent feels that 

surveys and reports hurt the farmer more than help. No benefit to 

farmers.” and “Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/State

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS.” Recommend Field Office 

Directors directly contact (personal visit, telephone and/or mail) these 

operators to discuss the operator’s feelings on these matters and to explain 

the importance of NASS’s estimates and publications.

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

5. Survey statisticians address field enumerators pertaining to situations 

recorded as violent/threatening refusals. Also, comments describing these

situations need to be documented in the comments section 

of NASS’s List Frame, for future data collection planning.

 

Impact: Make field enumerators aware of any possible dangerous 
iv

situations. Protect the field enumerator from harm.

6. Update and implement the Fire-Up Response training (NASS program for 

increasing response rates) for states with response rates below 80 percent. 

Also, measure if the training has any effect on response rates.

7. Combine the reasons for nonresponse research with the research being 

done to develop predictive non-response models which attempts to predict 

operations likely to refuse to complete surveys and which contribute the 

most to nonresponse bias. Field Offices should review reasons for 

nonresponse for any records flagged in ARMS as influential likely 

nonrespondents. 

Impact: Assist the field offices and field enumerators in determining the 

most efficient approach to gain cooperation from these particular 

operations. 
1

Examining Nonresponse Occurring in the

National Agricultural Statistics Service’s 

2009 Agricultural Resource Management Survey Phase III

HoaiNam N. Tran, Michael W. Gerling, 

Melissa Mitchell, Terry O’Connor, Rich Hopper1

Abstract

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveys agricultural 

operations to provide timely, accurate, and useful statistics on the United States 

and Puerto Rico agriculture. The Agricultural Resource Management Survey 

(ARMS) program is composed of three phases. Phase I is the screening phase. 

Phase II focuses on chemical use and production practices on the targeted 

commodities. Phase III is the most complex and detailed sample survey data 

collections and pertains to the financial condition of the farm, including income, 

expenses, assets, and debt. Operator characteristics are also collected. This 

information is then compiled to obtain an overview of the financial well-being of 

the agricultural sector. ARMS Phase III (ARMS III) is the only phase with 

response rates lower than 80 percent and so is the focus of this study. 

The 2009 ARMS III sample was comprised of agricultural operations, across 48 

states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Data collection was a mixture of mail, 

web, and personal field enumeration. For those operations failing to complete a 

questionnaire, personal enumeration was attempted. Upon a nonresponse 

occurrence, field enumerators were instructed to review a supplemental handout 

listing various nonresponse reasons and record the reason on the questionnaire

that best fit the situation using a particular coding process. 

The results showed that the top three reasons for operations being coded as 

refusals are “Would not take time/too busy”, “Information too personal/intrusive, 

confidentiality concerns”, and “Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on 

this one”. The top three reasons for operations being coded as inaccessible are 

“Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an appointment.”, “The operator 

is away on vacation or business.”, and “No operation or respondent, as listed on 

the label, could be found. No structure exists.”

KEY WORDS: Surveys, Data Collection, Nonresponse, Inaccessibles, Refusals

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 HoaiNam N. Tran, Michael W. Gerling, and Melissa Mitchell are Mathematical Statisticians and Terry P. O’Connor is 

Deputy Chief of the Survey Methodology and Technology Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) -

Research & Development Division, located at Room 305, 3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030. Rich Hopper is 

Survey Administrator of the ARMS III Survey for NASS and is located at U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 

Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250. A special thanks to Don Saboe of NASS’s Census and Survey Division 

as well as to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s field enumerators for their dedication and 

commitment in making this study a success. Also, a special note of thanks to Peter Quan of NASS’s Research & 

Development Division for providing additional technical expertise along the way.
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 has forty six 

field offices which conduct hundreds of surveys annually for the purpose of making estimates on 

crops and livestock, exploring production practices, and identifying economic trends.

The Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) is a multi-purpose national survey 

conducted each year for varying commodities. ARMS provides information about agriculture’s 

economic status and its impact on the quality of the environment. Overall, ARMS is the primary 

source of economic data providing a true picture of the financial well being of all U.S. farms.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses ARMS data to evaluate the financial 

performance of farms and ranches, and other critical issues related to agriculture and the rural 

economy, which influence agricultural policy decisions. ARMS data also are used by farm 

organizations, commodity groups, agribusiness, Congress, and state departments of agriculture. 

Improving response rates to meet or exceed 80 percent has been a constant challenge. To 

improve response rates, NASS is conducting research to further its understanding of the reasons 

for survey nonresponse. This will provide the agency with the necessary knowledge for 

assessing and improving the data collection process. 

1.1. ARMS Program

The ARMS is composed of three phases. Phase I, conducted May through July, is the screening 

phase which determines whether the operation is in business, its type of operating arrangement, 

and whether the operation has those commodities targeted for the survey. For the 2009 ARMS 

Program, wheat, organic wheat, and hogs were the targeted commodities. Phase II, conducted 

October through December, focuses on chemical use and production practices on the targeted

commodities. Phase III, the most complex and detailed sample survey data collections, 

conducted February through April of the following year, pertains to the financial condition of the 

farm, including income, expenses, assets, and debt. Operator characteristics are also collected. 

Phase III is the only phase of the ARMS with response rates lower than 80 percent. Thus, Phase 

III of the 2009 ARMS is the focus of the research project and this report.

1.2. Problem: Response Rates Remain at the 65 Percent Range for the ARMS III

For the last five years (2004 to 2008), ARMS III response rates have remained around the mid to 

upper 60’s percent. The use of monetary and non-monetary incentives has resulted in only a 

marginal increase in response rates. 

There are three types of survey nonresponse: 1) refusals, 2) inaccessibles, and 3) incompletes. 

Refusals are operators who were not willing to respond or participate in the survey. 
3

Inaccessibles occur when field enumerators are unable to contact or reach the operators for data 

collection. A questionnaire is considered incomplete if a substantial number of questions are 

left unanswered.

Overall, survey nonresponse negatively impacts data estimates, increases survey cost and data 

collection time, and significantly complicates the data editing and summarization processes. 

Nonresponse also increases the potential to bias the estimates. One of the ways that NASS

reduces nonresponse bias is by using calibration (Earp, McCarthy, Schauer, Kott, 2008). 

However, calibration is another complicated layer of the survey analysis process requiring 

staffing resources. Therefore, reducing nonresponse is vital in using the collected data to 

determine accurate agricultural estimates.

2. PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

This study includes all states participating in the 2009 ARMS III.

The goals of the study are to: 

1.) Document and categorize the most common reasons for nonresponse occurring in the 2009 

 ARMS III.

2.) Compare the reasons for nonresponse with past ARMS III studies conducted by NASS in 

 1990 and 1991 and document any similarities or differences.

2.1. Definitions

Additional terms used throughout the report are defined below:

Usable: Reports with complete data.

Out of Operation was not operating during the survey reference period.

Business:

Out of Scope: Operations are typically institutional farms which includes Indian reservations, 

prison farms, private or university research farms, not-for-profit farms operated 

by religious organizations, FFA farms, and other farms that do not have the same 

expense and/or income patterns as traditional farms.

Office Hold: Questionnaire was held in the office and not enumerated.

Non-Farm: Operation failed to meet USDA’s definition of a farm.
4

3. METHODS

The 2009 ARMS III sample was comprised of agricultural operations, across 48 states. Alaska 

and Hawaii were excluded from the 2009 ARMS III. Mail and self-administered web were the 

primary data collection methods used. Personal field enumeration was utilized as a follow-up 

contact for those operations failing to complete the mailed or web form. 

3.1. Enumerator Training

Field enumerators were instructed on the collection procedures for the ARMS III at their 

respective field offices’ annual workshop conducted in January.

 

For this study, the field enumerators were provided the following instructions: 

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. 

3.) For incompletes, the field enumerator would record why the operator did not answer specific 

questions.

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 lasted approximately 15 minutes

per field office.

3.2. Project Costs

This study involved no additional field enumerator training costs since the additional training 

was absorbed into the field offices’ ARMS III workshops. Also, no additional burden fell on the 

field enumerators since recording the reasons for the nonresponse is encouraged for all NASS 

surveys.

4. RESULTS

The compiled findings in this report reflect the results after the primary and post survey data 

collections and edits, unless otherwise noted.
5

4.1. Overall Response Rates

Tables 1 and 2 show the response rates at the state and U.S. level. Hawaii and Alaska are 

excluded since they do not participate in ARMS III. The tables were provided by the “2009 

Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) Phase III - Survey Administration Analysis 

(Preliminary Yellow Book)”.

West Virginia’s response rate of 87.1 percent was the highest response rate and also the only 

state that exceeded OMB’s 80 percent response rate requirement. Colorado had the lowest 

response rate at 39.1 percent. 
6

Table 1: 2009 ARMS Phase III Response Counts by State,

All Questionnaire Versions

Sample Positive Out of Out of Office

State Size Usable Business Scope Refusal Inaccessible Hold Non -Farm

U.S. 33,348 21,050 1,463 87 8,445 1,573 577 153

Alabama 221 163 22 0 27 3 4 2

Arizona 133 85 8 8 27 6 0 1

Arkansas 1,454 997 96 1 292 46 22 0

California 2,238 1,356 68 3 540 244 19 8

Colorado 488 192 19 0 194 69 13 1

Connecticut 33 14 3 0 13 2 1 0

Delaware 75 44 5 0 20 5 0 0

Florida 1,319 905 81 0 290 36 0 7

Georgia 1,333 798 99 0 309 7 113 7

Idaho 373 233 4 6 97 18 15 0

Illinois 1,722 1,049 93 0 520 35 17 8

Indiana 1,508 971 51 8 452 23 0 3

Iowa 1,886 1,109 65 8 570 106 9 19

Kansas 1,616 839 86 3 609 73 6 0

Kentucky 345 221 23 0 61 26 13 1

Louisiana 270 163 34 0 47 23 0 3

Maine 72 51 2 0 15 0 3 1

Maryland 129 75 7 4 24 18 1 0

Massachusetts 40 28 2 0 8 1 1 0

Michigan 567 300 11 1 216 26 9 4

Minnesota 1,695 1,143 53 3 373 78 27 18

Mississippi 228 176 19 0 26 7 0 0

Missouri 1,638 1,025 70 0 375 140 21 7

Montana 543 386 3 0 119 29 4 2

Nebraska 1,782 983 83 1 629 65 14 7

Nevada 88 45 5 1 26 11 0 0

New Hampshire 42 30 5 0 5 1 1 0

New Jersey 85 56 2 1 22 3 1 0

New Mexico 162 100 13 1 36 11 0 1

New York 300 166 22 0 77 22 13 0

North Carolina 1,605 1,262 68 0 189 47 29 10

North Dakota 556 331 13 0 152 58 0 2

Ohio 588 363 8 1 196 20 0 0

Oklahoma 638 410 26 8 112 12 70 0

Oregon 404 270 15 2 103 8 6 0

Pennsylvania 410 247 16 9 110 14 13 1

Rhode Island 46 21 2 0 22 1 0 0

South Carolina 205 154 9 1 35 2 1 1

South Dakota 619 264 15 0 289 40 11 0

Tennessee 274 174 31 0 45 8 12 4

Texas 1,950 1,447 67 0 309 62 48 17

Utah 94 69 4 2 14 4 1 0

Vermont 53 36 2 0 11 2 2 0

Virginia 329 203 7 3 75 29 7 5

Washington 1,552 1,011 71 2 394 44 21 9

West Virginia 85 74 9 0 2 0 0 0

Wisconsin 1,435 947 38 2 338 79 29 2

Wyoming 120 64 10 7 30 9 0 0
7

 Table 2: 2009 ARMS Phase III Response Rates by State,

 All Questionnaire Versions

Sample Positive

 

Out Of 

 

Out of Office

State Size Usable Business Scope Refusal Inaccessible Office Hold Non-Farm

U.S. 33,348 63.1 4.4 0.3 25.3 4.7 1.7 0.5

Alabama 221 73.8 9.9 0.0 12.2 1.4 1.8 0.9

Arizona 133 63.9 4.6 6.0 20.3 4.5 0.0 0.8

Arkansas 1,454 68.6 6.6 0.1 20.1 3.2 1.5 0.0

California 2,238 60.6 3.0 0.1 24.1 10.9 0.8 0.4

Colorado 488 39.3 3.9 0.0 39.8 14.1 2.7 0.2

Connecticut 33 42.7 9.1 0.0 39.4 6.1 3.0 0.0

Delaware 75 58.7 6.6 1.3 26.7 6.7 0.0 0.0

Florida 1,319 68.6 6.1 0.0 22.0 2.7 0.0 0.5

Georgia 1,333 59.9 7.4 0.0 23.2 0.5 8.5 0.5

Idaho 373 62.5 1.1 1.6 26.0 4.8 4.0 0.0

Illinois 1,722 60.9 5.4 0.0 30.2 2.0 1.0 0.5

Indiana 1,508 64.4 3.4 0.5 30.0 1.5 0.0 0.2

Iowa 1,886 58.8 3.4 0.4 30.2 5.6 0.5 1.0

Kansas 1,616 51.9 5.4 0.2 37.7 4.5 0.4 0.0

Kentucky 345 64.1 6.6 0.0 17.7 7.5 3.8 0.3

Louisiana 270 60.4 12.6 0.0 17.4 8.5 0.0 1.1

Maine 72 70.8 2.8 0.0 20.8 0.0 4.2 1.4

Maryland 129 58.1 5.4 3.1 18.6 14.0 0.8 0.0

Massachusetts 40 70.0 5.0 0.0 20.0 2.5 2.5 0.0

Michigan 567 52.9 1.9 0.2 38.1 4.6 1.6 0.7

Minnesota 1,695 67.4 3.1 0.2 22.0 4.6 1.6 1.1

Mississippi 228 77.2 8.3 0.0 11.4 3.1 0.0 0.0

Missouri 1,638 62.6 4.2 0.0 22.9 8.5 1.3 0.4

Montana 543 71.1 0.6 0.0 21.9 5.3 0.7 0.4

Nebraska 1,782 55.2 4.7 0.1 35.3 3.6 0.8 0.4

Nevada 88 51.1 5.7 1.1 29.5 12.5 0.0 0.0

New Hampshire 42 71.4 11.9 0.0 11.9 2.4 0.0 0.0

New Jersey 85 65.9 2.4 1.2 25.9 3.5 1.2 0.0

New Mexico 162 61.7 8.0 0.6 22.2 6.8 0.0 0.6

New York 300 55.3 7.3 0.0 25.7 7.3 4.3 0.0

North Carolina 1,605 78.6 4.2 0.0 11.8 2.9 1.8 0.6

North Dakota 556 59.5 2.3 0.0 27.3 10.4 0.0 0.4

Ohio 588 61.7 1.4 0.2 33.3 3.4 0.0 0.0

Oklahoma 638 64.3 4.1 1.3 17.6 1.9 11.0 0.0

Oregon 404 66.8 3.7 0.5 25.5 2.0 1.5 0.0

Pennsylvania 410 60.2 3.9 2.2 26.8 3.4 3.2 0.2

Rhode Island 46 45.7 4.3 0.0 47.8 2.2 0.0 0.0

South Carolina 205 75.1 4.4 0.5 17.1 1.0 0.5 1.5

South Dakota 619 42.6 2.5 0.0 46.7 6.5 1.8 0.0

Tennessee 274 63.5 11.3 0.0 16.4 2.9 4.4 1.5

Texas 1,950 74.2 3.4 0.0 15.8 3.2 2.5 0.9

Utah 94 73.4 4.3 2.1 14.9 4.3 1.1 0.0

Vermont 53 67.9 3.8 0.0 20.8 3.8 3.8 0.0

Virginia 329 61.7 2.1 0.9 22.8 8.8 2.1 1.5

Washington 1,552 65.1 4.6 0.1 25.4 2.8 1.4 0.6

West Virginia 85 87.1 10.6 0.0 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

Wisconsin 1,435 66.0 2.7 0.1 23.6 5.5 2.0 0.1

Wyoming 120 53.3 8.3 5.8 25.0 7.5 0.0 0.0
8

5. 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.

Table 3 displays the reasons for refusing to participate in ARMS III. 

“Refused but no reason given” was recorded 1,622 times (20 percent of the total refusals). There

was one report for which the code was not recognizable and no written reason to determine a 

correct code and was left out of the analysis. 

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.) “Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns.”

3.) “Respondent refuses on all surveys and refused on this one.”

Four percent (323 reports) of the total refusals were recorded as “Respondent feels that surveys 

and reports hurt the farmer more than help. No benefit to farmers”. There were also an 

additional 240 reports which “Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/State Government, 

state cooperator, FO, or NASS.” 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, provide guidance on obtaining a peaceful 

resolution, and to explain the importance of NASS’s estimates and publications. Appendices B

and C contain individual state specific nonresponse tables. 
9

Table 3: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (US level)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 2296 27.7

Refused but no reason given. 1622 19.5

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 720 8.7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 375 4.5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 354 4.3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview beyond the 

end of the survey period. 325 3.9

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 324 3.9

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer more than 

help. No benefit to farmers. 323 3.9

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from responding. 320 3.9

Feels survey items are too complex/difficult - too much recollection is 

involved. Records are inadequate. 289 3.5

“My farm is too small to count/not a farm.” 289 3.5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 272 3.3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/State Government, state 

cooperator, FO, or NASS. 240 2.9

Quitting farming, or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 149 1.8

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

(Includes technical problems in retrieving electronically stored data.) 124 1.5

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 55 0.7

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 46 0.6

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the operator. 44 0.5

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 33 0.4

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 31 0.4

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 30 0.4

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey letter, and 

asked not to be contacted further. 17 0.2

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 13 0.2

Currently has or recently had disease problems with herd/crops. 5 0.1

Not aware of NASS. 2 0.0

Total Number and Percent1/ 2/

8298 100.3

1/ One report was missing and was excluded from the analyses.

2/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
10

6. 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.

Table 4 shows the reasons for questionnaires being coded inaccessible. 

There were 256 reports that cited “Inaccessible but no reason given.” This reason may be valid

for refusals but not for inaccessibles. For these instances, the field enumerators failed to record 

the reason why they could not contact the operator. The authors suggest that the statisticians 

overseeing the survey re-emphasize the importance of collecting and recording the 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; could not reach anyone for an appointment.” 

There were 6 instances (0.4 percent of all inaccessibles) coded as inaccessible because the field 

enumerator’s heavy workload prevented contacting these operators. Authors suggest improving

communication between field office staff and supervisory field enumerators to ensure work is 

distributed and completed in a timely manner. 
11

Table 4: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (US Level)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone 

for an appointment. 786 55.2

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 256 18.0

The operator is away on vacation or 

business. 212 14.9

No operation or respondent, as listed on the 

label, could be found. No structure exists. 84 5.9

Access to the address on the label was 

denied by a gate/guard/etc. 44 3.1

The address on the label is seasonal housing 

or operation is vacant. 16 1.1

Non-English speaking respondent; 

interpreter not available. 12 0.9

Enumerator workload prevented this 

operation from being contacted during the 

survey period.

6 0.4

Operator died or went out of business in 

2009/ early 2010, but was in business part 

of 2009.

6 0.4

Operator is ill or in hospital. 2 0.1

Total 1424 100.0
12

7. 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 6 shows that 

incompletes are rare. California, however, lead the way with 78 incompletes which accounted for 

10 percent of the state’s nonresponse.
13

Table 5: 2009 ARMS III: Incompletes by State (State Level: Sorted by Number of 

Incompletes)

Incompletes by State Number Percent of State’s 

Nonresponse

California 78 9.9

Minnesota 33 7.3

Missouri 28 5.4

Iowa 23 3.4

Wisconsin 12 2.9

Illinois 12 2.2

Texas 10 2.7

Virginia 8 7.7

North Carolina 8 3.4

Kentucky 7 8.0

Nebraska 7 8.0

Pennsylvania 7 5.6

Arkansas 7 2.1

Washington 7 1.6

Maryland 6 14.3

Michigan 6 2.5

Indiana 6 1.3

Kansas 6 0.9

Oregon 4 3.6

New York 3 3.0

North Dakota 3 1.4

Tennessee 2 3.8

Montana 2 1.4

South Dakota 2 0.6
14

Table 5 (Continued): 2009 ARMS III: Incompletes by State. (State Level: Sorted by 

Number)

Incompletes by State Number Percent of State’s 

Nonresponse

Florida 2 0.6

Rhode Island 1 4.3

New Jersey 1 4.0

Alabama 1 3.3

Mississippi 1 3.0

Nevada 1 2.7

Idaho 1 0.9

Oklahoma 1 0.8

Ohio 1 0.5

Colorado 1 0.3

Arizona, West Virginia, 

Connecticut, Delaware, New 

Mexico, Georgia, Louisiana, 

Maine, Massachusetts, New 

Hampshire, Utah, South 

Carolina, Vermont, Wyoming

0 0

U.S. 298 NA

8. COMPARISON OF PAST STUDIES

The next step was to compare results with past reasons for nonresponse studies. In 1990 and 

1991, NASS examined reasons for nonresponse occurring in the predecessor to ARMS III which 

was called Farm Costs and Returns Survey, (O’Connor 1991 & 1992). In 1996, Farm Costs and 

Returns Survey (FCRS) was renamed Agricultural Resource Management Survey Phase III. A 

comparison of reasons for refusals and inaccessibles across studies was conducted. Reasons for 

nonresponse categories used in 2009 were collapsed to mirror those used in 1990 and 1991 for 

the comparison.

Table 6 displays the 2009 ARMS III’s top five refusal reasons in rank order and the 

corresponding rank from the past FCRS studies. 

Comparing reasons for nonresponse reported in the 2009 ARMS III versus those from the 1990 
15

and 1991 FCRS studies show similar ranking for the top three reasons. However, it appears that 

respondents are becoming less cooperative to complete financial questionnaires

 

In 2008 and in 2009, NASS also examined reasons for nonresponse occurring on the June Area 

Survey, (Gerling, Tran, O’Connor, 2010) and (Gerling, Tran, Mitchell, O’Connor, 2011). The 

June Area Survey focuses on collecting agricultural information for certain areas of land across 

the United States. Although the ARMS III and JAS surveys differ in several ways 

(questionnaire, focus, and sampling scheme), a comparison of reasons for refusals and 

inaccessibles across all reasons for nonresponse studies was conducted. 

Table 6 displays the 2009 ARMS III’s top five refusal reasons in rank order, as compared to 

those of the 2008 and 2009 June Area Survey studies.

Overall, there is similar ranking of the top three refusal reasons across studies. The reason “Will 

do other surveys, but not financial surveys” is ranked low on the June Area Survey since the 

survey’s focus is not on the financial aspect of the agricultural operation.

Table 6: Comparison Ranking of the Reasons for Refusal on the 2009 ARMS III Study 

 with the 1990 & 1991 FCRS Studies and the 2008 & 2009 June Area Survey 

 Studies.

2009

ARMS III 

Study 

Ranking

2009

June Area 

Survey Study

Ranking

2008

June Area 

Survey Study

Ranking

1991

FCRS

Study 

Ranking

1990 

FCRS

Study

Ranking 

Reason for Refusal1/

1 1 1 1 1

Would not take the 

time/too busy.

2 6 4

t/

3 3

Information too 

personal/intrusive, 

confidentiality concerns.

3 2 2 2 2

Respondent refuses on all 

surveys, and refused on 

this one.

4 19 30t/10 17t/ Will do other surveys, 

but not financial surveys.

5 10 9

t/

9 8

Would not keep 

appointments or 

postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the 

survey period.

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

t/ Represents a tie.
16

Table 7 compares the 2009 ARMS III study’s top five reasons for recording a questionnaire as an 

inaccessible with those from past NASS nonresponse studies. The data show that the rankings of 

reasons for being inaccessible are consistent with those from previous studies.

Table 7: Comparison Ranking of the Reasons for being Inaccessible on the 2009 

 ARMS III Study with the 2008 & 2009 June Area Survey Studies and the 

 1990 & 1991 FCRS Studies.

2009 

ARMS III 

Study

Ranking 

2009

June Area 

Survey 

Study

Ranking

2008

June Area 

Survey 

Study

Ranking

1991 

FCRS

Study

Ranking 

1990 

FCRS

Study 

Ranking

Reasons for Inaccessible1/

1 1 1 1 3

Tried several times; could 

not reach anyone for an 

appointment.

2 2 2 2 1

The operator is away on 

vacation or business.

3 3 3 3 2

No operation or respondent, 

as listed on the label, could 

be found. No structure 

exists.

4 4 4 5 4

Access to the address on 

the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc.

5 7 9 4 7

t/

The address on the label is 

seasonal housing or 

operation is vacant.

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

t/ Represents a tie.
17

9. FIRE UP RESPONSE

Fire Up Response is a training course developed by NASS for instructing field enumerators on 

how to handle potential nonresponse situations. A substantial part of the training involves role 

playing the various nonresponse situations and demonstrating the best techniques to obtain 

cooperation. Therefore, the authors recommend updating, formalizing, and implementing the 

Fire Up Response training in those states with low response rates and measure whether the 

training has any effect on response rates. This updated version would include the most popular 

reasons for nonresponse and the techniques used by field enumerators to gain cooperation by the 

agricultural operator.

10. PROVIDING REASONS FOR NONREPSONE TO FIELD OFFCIES AND

 INTERVIEWERS

The reasons for nonresponse data tables could be provided to the field offices before data 

collection begins. NASS’s Survey Processing System, Blaise System or the Interactive Data 

Analysis System could produce output for each state to view their own reasons for nonresponse 

counts with information being stored in ELMO for each operation so that the field enumerators 

would be aware of potential difficult interviews.

11. CONCLUSION 

Implementation of the recommendations will not resolve the nonresponse issue; however, it is a 

step in the right direction. The recommendations proposed are also not limited to the ARMS III 

but can also be implemented on NASS’s 400 other surveys where practical. In the future, the 

Research and Development Division will continue to work with field offices and NASS’s 

Program Administration Branch in studying nonresponse to effectively increase future response

rates. 
18

12. RECOMMENDATIONS

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

response rate reaches 80 percent. 

Impact: Nonresponse data will enable NASS to statistically determine if particular 

nonresponse reasons are state specific, regional and/or national. Also, this has the 

potential to determine those aspects of the data collection process (questionnaire design, 

survey promotion, data collection) requiring improvement. 

2. Update NASS’s Survey Processing System, Interactive Data Analysis System, or Blaise 

Systems to provide each state with a print-out of their state’s reasons for nonresponse. 

This output would be an extension to the enumerator rating and work completion

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 Agricultural Resource Management Survey workshops. The statistician who 

manages the survey should do this.

Impact: Improve the recording of reasons for nonresponse.

4. Follow up with the operators of agricultural operations providing reasons for refusing to 

participate in the ARMS III such as: “Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the 

farmer more than help. No benefit to farmers.” and “Mentions a specific grievance with 

the Federal/State Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS.” Recommend Field 

Office Directors directly contact (personal visit, telephone and/or mail) these operators to 

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

estimates and publications.

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

5. Survey statisticians address field enumerators pertaining to situations recorded as 

violent/threatening refusals. Also, comments describing these situations need to be 

documented in the comments section of NASS’s List Frame, for future data collection 

planning.
19

 

Impact: Make field enumerators aware of any possible dangerous situations. Protect the 

field enumerator from harm.

6. Update and implement the Fire-Up Response training (NASS program for increasing 

response rates) for states with response rates below 80 percent. Also, measure if the 

training has any effect on response rates.

7. Combine the reasons for nonresponse research with the research being done to develop 

predictive non-response models which attempts to predict operations likely to refuse to 

complete surveys and which contribute the most to nonresponse bias. Field Offices 

should review reasons for nonresponse for any records flagged in ARMS as influential 

likely nonrespondents. 

Impact: Assist the field offices and field enumerators in determining the most efficient 

approach to gain cooperation from these particular operations. 

13. 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.

Earp, M., McCarthy, J., Schauer, N., Kott, P. (2008) Assessing the Effect of Calibration on 

Nonresponse Bias in the 2006 ARMS Phase III Sample Using Census 2002 Data, Research and 

Development Division Report RDD-08-01, 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. 
20

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.
21

Appendix A

Reasons for Refusals

Code Reasons for Refusals

1

200

3

4

201

202

203

12

204

205

206

207

208

209

22

23

24

26

210

29

34

52

365

401

403

Known refusal, no contact attempted.

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one.

Refused, but no reason given.

Would not take the time/too busy.

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns.

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt farmers more than help. No benefit to 

farmers.

Contacted too often and refused on this one.

Respondent only does compulsory surveys.

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/State Government, state cooperator, FO 

or NASS.

"My farm is too small to count/not a farm."

Feels the survey items are too complex/difficult/confusing -- too much recollection is 

involved. Records are inadequate.

Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. (Includes technical 

problems in retrieving electronically stored data.)

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from responding.

Would not keep appointments, or postponed the interview beyond the end of the survey 

period.

Spouse/secretary/etc. will not let the enumerator see the operator.

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort.

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals.

Does not want to report due to legal/financial problems.

Quitting farming, or out of business now, or will not answer for the previous year.

Figures for the previous year were not typical.

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys.

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing cooperation on other 

surveys.

The operator called the office after receiving the pre-survey letter, and asked not to be

contacted further.

Not aware of NASS.

Currently has or recently had disease problem with herd/crops.
22

Appendix B

Reasons for Inaccessibles

Code Reasons for Inaccessibles

301 

300 

82 

83

87 

92 

94

116 

150 

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be found. No structure exists.

No structure exists.

The operator is away on vacation or business.

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation is vacant.

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.

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available.

Inaccessible, but no reason given.

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an appointment.

INCOMPLETE -- Respondent provided partial information, but would not or could not 

provide enough information to make the questionnaire complete.
23

Appendix C

Reasons for Refusing by State

Table C1: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Alabama)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 7 26

Refused but no reason given. 4 15

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 4 15

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview beyond the end of the 

survey period. 3 11

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 2 7

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 7

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 4

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey letter, and asked not to be 

contacted further. 1 4

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 4

Farm records are not available until after the survey period closes. (Includes 

technical problems in retrieving electronically stored data.) 1 4

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer more than help. No 

benefit to farmers. - -

Questionnaire not enumerated to avoid jeopardizing cooperation on other surveys. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the operator. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

“My farm is too small to count/not a farm.” - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are currently not accessible. - -

Quitting farming, or out of business now, or will not answer for previous year. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from responding. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with herd/crops. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state Government, state cooperator, 

FO, or NASS. - -

Feels survey items are too complex/difficult - too much recollection is involved. 

Records are inadequate. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 27 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
24

Table C2: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Arizona)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 5 19

Would not take time/too busy. 5 19

Refused but no reason given. 3 11

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 3 11

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this 

one.

2 7

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 7

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 4

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 4

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 4

Feels survey items are too complex/difficult - too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys.

- -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period.

- -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Total Number and Percent 27 100

 
25

Table C3: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Arkansas)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 93 33

Would not take time/too busy. 60 21

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 22 8

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 18 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 14 5

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 13 5

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 13 5

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 10 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 9 3

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 7 2

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 6 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 5 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 3 1

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 3 1

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 2 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 2 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 <0.5

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

1 <0.5

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 1 <0.5

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex - too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 285 101.5

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
26

Table C4: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (California)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 116 24

Would not take time/too busy. 110 23

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 39 8

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 31 6

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 27 6

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 23 5

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 18 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 18 4

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 17 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 14 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 13 3

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

11 2

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 10 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 10 2

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 7 1

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 6 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 5 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 3 <1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 3 <1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 <0.5

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 <0.5

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent/1 483 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
27

Table C5: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Colorado)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 41 21

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 27 14

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 24 12

Refused but no reason given. 22 11

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 13 7

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 10 5

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

9 5

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate.

8 4

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 7 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 6 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 6 3

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 6 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 5 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 5 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 1 <1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 <1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 <1

Not aware of NASS. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 194 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
28

Table C6: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Connecticut)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 6 46

Refused but no reason given. 3 23

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 15

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 8

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 8

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Total Number and Percent 13 100
29

Table C7: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Delaware)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 4 20

Would not take time/too busy. 3 15

Refused but no reason given. 2 10

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 10

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 2 10

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes 2 10

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 5

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 5

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 5

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 5

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent 20 100

 
30

Table C8: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Florida)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 159 55

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 33 11

Refused but no reason given. 22 8

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 14 5

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 10 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 9 3

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 7 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

7 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 6 2

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 4 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 3 1

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 3 1

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 3 1

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 3 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 3 1

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 <1

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 <1

Not aware of NASS. 1 <1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 290 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
31

Table C9: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Georgia)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 117 38

Would not take time/too busy. 78 25

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 17 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 13 4

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 13 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 10 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 10 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 8 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 8 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 8 3

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 5 2

Refused but no reason given. 5 2

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 4 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

4 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 3 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 2 1

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 2 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 309 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
32

Table C10: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Idaho)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 26 27

Refused but no reason given. 14 14

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 10 10

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 8 8

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 7 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 6 6

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 5 5

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 4 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 4 4

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 3 3

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 2

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 2 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 2

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 97 98

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
33

Table C11: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Illinois)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 128 25

Would not take time/too busy. 110 22

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 56 11

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys 44 8

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 33 6

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 22 4

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 20 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding 18 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 17 3

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 15 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period 13 3

My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 11 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 9 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes 3 1

Violent/threatening refusals 3 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems 3 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year 2 <1

Figures for the previous year were not typical 1 <1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator 1 <1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort 1 <1

Never heard of NASS - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys

- -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Total Number and Percent 510 100

 
34

Table C12: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Indiana)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 221 52

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 48 11

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 22 5

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 20 5

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 19 4

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 15 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 14 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 13 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 12 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 11 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 9 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 7 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 3 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

3 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 <0.5

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 2 <0.5

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys.

2 <0.5

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 <0.5

Not aware of NASS. 1 <0.5

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 <0.5

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Refused but no reason given. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 426 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
35

Table C13: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Iowa)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 189 33

Would not take time/too busy. 162 28

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 47 8

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 29 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 28 5

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 26 5

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 20 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 11 2

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 10 2

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 8 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 7 1

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 7 1

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 6 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

5 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 4 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 3 1

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 3 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 2 <0.5

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 <0.5

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 <0.5

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 1 <0.5

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator.

Total Number and Percent 570 100
36

Table C14: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Kansas)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 150 25

Refused but no reason given. 145 24

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 58 10

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 41 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 29 5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 25 5

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 25 5

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 23 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 22 4

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 15 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 13 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

12 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 11 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 11 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 9 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 5 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 3 <0.5

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 3 <0.5

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 3 <0.5

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 2 <0.5

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 <0.5

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 606 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
37

Table C15: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Kentucky)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 17 28

Refused but no reason given. 10 16

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 10 16

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 7 11

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 4 7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 3 5

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 2 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 3

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 2

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

1 2

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 2

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Total Number and Percent1/

61 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
38

Table C16: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Louisiana)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 19 41

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 4 9

Refused but no reason given. 3 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 2 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 4

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 2 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 2 4

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 2 4

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 4

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 2

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 2

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 1 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 2

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 2

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 1 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

1 2

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 47 98

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
39

Table C17: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Maine)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 6 38

Refused but no reason given. 3 19

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 13

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 6

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 6

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 6

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 6

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 6

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent 15 100
40

Table C18: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Maryland)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 5 21

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 4 17

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 2 8

Refused but no reason given. 2 8

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 2 8

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 8

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 2 8

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 2 8

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 1 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 4

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 24 98

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
41

Table C19: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Massachusetts)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 2 25

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 25

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 13

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 13

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 13

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 13

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Refused but no reason given. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Total Number and Percent1/

100 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
42

Table C20: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Michigan)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 56 26

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 27 13

Refused but no reason given. 25 12

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 13 6

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 11 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 10 5

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 10 5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 10 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 9 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 9 4

Feels the survey items are too complex - too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 7 3

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 7 3

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 5 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 5 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 1

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 2 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 <0.5

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 <0.5

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

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 211 98

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
43

Table C21: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Minnesota)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 120 34

Refused but no reason given. 38 11

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality 

concerns.

37 11

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the 

farmer more than help. No benefit to farmers. 24 7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on 

this one. 15 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 14 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 14 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 13 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 10 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 9 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 8 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not 

answer for previous year. 7 2

Would not keep appointments or postponed the 

interview beyond the end of the survey period. 7 2

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 7 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator 

see the operator. 6 2

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 6 2

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 4 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 3 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey 

period closes. (Includes technical problems in 

retrieving electronically stored data.)

3 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 2 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 2 1

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. 1 <0.5

The operator called the office after receiving presurvey letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 <0.5

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid 

jeopardizing cooperation on other surveys.

- -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and 

are currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 351 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
44

Table C22: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Mississippi)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 8 31

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality 

concerns.

4 15

Refused but no reason given. 3 12

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the 

farmer more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 8

Would not keep appointments or postponed the 

interview beyond the end of the survey period. 2 8

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 4

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator 

see the operator. 1 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not 

answer for previous year.

1 4

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on 

this one. 1 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 4

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid 

jeopardizing cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

The operator called the office after receiving presurvey letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey 

period closes. (Includes technical problems in 

retrieving electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and 

are currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 26 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
45

Table C23: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Missouri)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 72 19

Would not take time/too busy. 71 19

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality 

concerns.

28 8

Would not keep appointments or postponed the 

interview beyond the end of the survey period. 27 7

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 24 6

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 24 6

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on 

this one. 21 6

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the 

farmer more than help. No benefit to farmers. 17 5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 16 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 15 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 10 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer 

for previous year. 10 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 7 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 5 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey 

period closes. (Includes technical problems in 

retrieving electronically stored data.)

5 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 4 1

The operator called the office after receiving presurvey letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 4 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 4 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 2 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 2 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator 

see the operator. 1 <0.5

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid 

jeopardizing cooperation on other surveys. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and 

are currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent 371 100

 
46

Table C24: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Montana)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 23 19

Would not take time/too busy. 20 17

Refused but no reason given. 16 13

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 9 8

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 8 7

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 8 7

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 8 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 7 6

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 3 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 3 3

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 3 3

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 2

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 2 2

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

1 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 118 103

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
47

Table C25: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Nebraska)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 220 35

Would not take time/too busy. 173 28

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 52 8

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 37 6

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 27 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 19 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 18 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 15 2

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 13 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 8 1

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 7 1

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 7 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

7 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 6 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 5 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 4 1

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 4 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 2 <0.5

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. 2 <0.5

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 <0.5

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 1 <0.5

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

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 629 99

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.

 
48

Table C26: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Nevada)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 5 19

Would not take time/too busy. 5 19

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 3 12

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 8

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 8

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 8

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 4

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 1 4

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 1 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 4

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 4

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 26 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
49

Table C27: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (New Hampshire)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 1 20

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 1 20

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 20

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 20

Respondent only does compulsory surveys 1 20

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Refused but no reason given. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent 5 100

 
50

Table C28: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (New Jersey)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 8 36

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 3 14

Refused but no reason given. 2 9

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 9

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 2 9

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 5

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 5

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 5

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 5

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 22 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
51

Table C29: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (New Mexico)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 22 61

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 4 11

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 3 8

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 3 8

Refused but no reason given. 1 3

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 

1 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 3

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent 36 100
52

Table C30: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (New York)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 18 23

Would not take time/too busy. 17 22

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 11 15

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 6 8

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 4 5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 4 5

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 3 4

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 3 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 3 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 2 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 2 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 1 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 1

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 77 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
53

Table C31: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (North Carolina)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 65 34

Would not take time/too busy. 44 23

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 12 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 10 5

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 9 5

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 9 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 8 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from

responding. 7 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 6 3

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 4 2

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 4 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 3 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 2 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 1

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 1 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 189 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
54

Table C32: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (North Dakota)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 39 26

Refused but no reason given. 32 21

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 15 10

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 10 7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 8 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 7 5

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding 6 4

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 6 4

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 5 3

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

5 3

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 5 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 4 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 3 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 3 2

Quit farming or out of business now, will not answer for 

previous year. 1 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 1

Not aware of NASS. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 151 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
55

Table C33: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Ohio)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 51 26

Refused but no reason given. 49 25

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 18 9

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 10 5

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 9 5

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 8 4

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 7 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 6 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 6 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 6 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 5 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 5 3

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 5 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 3 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

3 2

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. 1 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/2/ 194 99

 

 1/ One report missing a nonresponse code and was left out of the analyses.

 2/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
56

Table C34: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Oklahoma)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 37 33

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 13 12

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 11 10

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 11 10

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 10 9

Refused but no reason given. 6 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 6 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 4 4

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 2 2

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 2 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 1

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 1

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 1 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 1 1

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 111 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
57

Table C35: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Oregon)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 33 33

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 8 8

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 7 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 7 7

Refused but no reason given. 6 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 6 6

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 5 5

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 4 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 4 4

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 4 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 3 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 3 3

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 2

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 2 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 2 2

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 100 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
58

Table C36: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Pennsylvania)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 35 34

Refused but no reason given. 14 14

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 12 12

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 8 8

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

8 8

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 7 7

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 6 6

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 4 4

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 3 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding.

2 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 1 1

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 1

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 1 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent 103 100
59

Table C37: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Rhode Island)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 6 29

Refused but no reason given. 4 19

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 2 10

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 2 10

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 10

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 5

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 5

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 1 5

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 5

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this 

one.

- -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Never heard of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 21 103

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100 due to rounding.
60

Table C38: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (South Carolina)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 15 43

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 6 17

Would not take time/too busy. 4 11

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 3 9

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 3 9

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 3

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 3

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 

- -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 35 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
61

Table C39: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (South Dakota)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 90 31

Information too personal, not confidential 39 14

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 27 10

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 26 9

Refused but no reason given. 26 9

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 19 7

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 11 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 10 3

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 8 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 7 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 6 2

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 6 2

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 6 2

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 3 1

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 2 1

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

1 1

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys.

- -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 288 103

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
62

Table C40: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Tennessee)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 8 18

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 6 14

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 6 14

Refused but no reason given. 5 11

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 5 11

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 3 7

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 2 5

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 2 5

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 2 5

Known refusal, no contact attempted 1 2

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 1 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 44 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
63

Table C41: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Texas)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 96 31

Would not take time/too busy. 46 15

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 27 9

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 26 8

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 20 6

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 15 5

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 13 4

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 10 3

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 8 3

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 7 2

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 7 2

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 7 2

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 6 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 6 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 5 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

5 2

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 2 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 <1

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. 1 <1

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 <1

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent 309 100
64

Table C42: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Utah)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Refused but no reason given. 3 20

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 3 20

Would not take time/too busy. 2 13

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. 2 13

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 13

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 7

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 1 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 7

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.).

- -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent 15 100
65

Table C43: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Vermont)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 4 36

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 2 18

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 18

Refused but no reason given. 1 9

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 1 9

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 1 9

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year - -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 11 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
66

Table C44: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Virginia)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 12 16

Refused but no reason given. 9 12

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 8 11

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 8 11

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 7 9

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 6 8

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 5 7

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this 

one.

4 5

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 3 4

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

2 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 2 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 2 3

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 2 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 2 3

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 2 3

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 1 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 75 102

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
67

Table C45: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Washington)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 117 30

Refused but no reason given 40 10

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 37 10

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 30 8

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 24 6

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 22 6

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 19 5

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 19 5

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 17 4

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 11 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 9 2

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 9 2

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

9 2

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 7 2

Figures for the previous year were not typical. 6 2

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort 3 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 3 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 1 <0.5

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 1 <0.5

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 <0.5

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 <0.5

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. 1 <0.5

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 387 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
68

Table C46: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (West Virginia)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 50

Would not take time/too busy. 1 50

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. - -

Contacted too often and refused on this one. - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. - -

Refused but no reason given. - -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent 2 100
69

Table C47: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Wisconsin)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 70 21

Refused but no reason given. 62 18

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 34 10

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. 26 8

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. 25 7

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 15 4

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 14 4

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 14 4

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 13 4

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 12 4

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” 11 3

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. 9 3

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 7 2

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. 6 2

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 6 2

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. 5 1

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

3 1

Known refusal, no contact attempted. 2 1

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. 1 <0.5

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

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. 1 <0.5

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops.

- -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 337 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
70

Table C48: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Refusals (Wyoming)

Reasons for Refusal Number Percent

Would not take time/too busy. 9 30

Refused but no reason given. 6 20

Would not keep appointments or postponed the interview 

beyond the end of the survey period. 4 13

Respondent refuses on all surveys, and refused on this one. 4 13

Information too personal/intrusive, confidentiality concerns. 2 7

Contacted too often and refused on this one. 1 3

Will do other surveys, but not financial surveys. 1 3

Illness/death in the family prevents the operator from 

responding. 1 3

Mentions a specific grievance with the Federal/state 

Government, state cooperator, FO, or NASS. 1 3

Quit farming or out of business now, or will not answer for 

previous year. 1 3

Respondent feels that surveys and reports hurt the farmer 

more than help. No benefit to farmers. - -

“My farm is too small to count/ not a farm.” - -

Known refusal, no contact attempted. - -

Spouse/Secretary etc. would not let the enumerator see the 

operator. - -

Questionnaire was not sent to the field to avoid jeopardizing 

cooperation on other surveys. - -

Violent/threatening/hostile refusals. - -

Does not want to report to legal/financial problems. - -

Wants to be paid for interview time and effort. - -

Feels the survey items are too complex – too much 

recollection is involved. Records are inadequate. - -

Farm records are not available until after the survey period 

closes. (Includes technical problems in retrieving 

electronically stored data.)

- -

The operator called the office after receiving pre-survey 

letter, and asked not to be contacted further. - -

Technical problems – data stored electronically and are 

currently not accessible. - -

Respondent only does compulsory surveys. - -

Figures for the previous year were not typical. - -

Not aware of NASS. - -

Currently has or recently had disease problems with 

herd/crops. - -

Total Number and Percent1/ 30 98

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
71

Appendix D

Reasons for Being Inaccessible by State
72

Table D1: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Alabama)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 100

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. - -

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. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists.

- -

Total Number and Percent 2 100

 
73

Table D2: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Arizona)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The operator is away on vacation or business. 5 83

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 17

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. - -

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 6 100

 
74

Table D3: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Arkansas)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 21 46

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 10 22

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 6 13

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 4 9

The operator is away on vacation or business. 3 7

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 2 4

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 46 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
75

Table D4: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (California)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 174 78

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 15 7

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 14 6

The operator is away on vacation or business. 9 4

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 5 2

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 4 2

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. 2 1

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 223 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
76

Table D5: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Colorado)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 35 51

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 25 37

The operator is away on vacation or business. 3 4

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 3 4

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 1

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 1

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent: interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 68 98

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
77

Table D6: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Connecticut)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 2 100

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 2 100

 
78

Table D7: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Delaware)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 60

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. Just an extremely busy person. 2 40

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business - -

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 5 100

 
79

Table D8: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Florida)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment.

14 41

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 8 24

The operator is away on vacation or business. 7 21

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 3 9

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 3

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 3

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 34 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
80

Table D9: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Georgia)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 5 71

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 2 29

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

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. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Total Number and Percent 7 100

 
81

Table D10: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Idaho)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 10 59

The operator is away on vacation or business. 6 35

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 6

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 17 100

 
82

Table D11: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Illinois)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 19 59

The operator is away on vacation or business. 5 16

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 4 13

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 9

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 3

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 32 100

 
83

Table D12: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Indiana)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 14 61

The operator is away on vacation or business. 6 26

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 4

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 4

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 1 4

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 23 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
84

Table D13: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Iowa)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The operator is away on vacation or business. 36 43

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 35 42

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 10 12

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 2 2

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 83 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
85

Table D14: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Kansas)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 32 46

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 24 34

The operator is away on vacation or business. 7 10

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 3 4

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 2 3

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 2 3

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 70 100
86

Table D15: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Kentucky)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 10 53

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 5 26

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 11

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 5

The operator is away on vacation//business. 1 5

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 19 100

 
87

Table D16: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Louisiana)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 18 78

The operator is away on vacation or business. 3 13

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 4

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 4

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 23 99

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
88

Table D17: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Maine)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Incomplete – Respondent provided partial information but 

would not or could not provide enough information to make 

the questionnaire complete.

- -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Total Number and Percent 0 100

 
89

Table D18: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Maryland)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 8 67

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 2 17

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 17

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

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. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 12 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
90

Table D19: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Massachusetts)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 100

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1 100
91

Table D20: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Michigan)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 15 60

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 5 20

The operator is away on vacation or business. 4 16

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 4

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 25 100

 
92

Table D21: 2009 ARMS- Reasons for Inaccessibles (Minnesota)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 29 43

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 20 30

The operator is away on vacation or business. 12 18

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 3 4

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. 1 1

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 1

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 1

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 67 98

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
93

Table D22: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Mississippi)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 6 100

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 6 100

 
94

Table D23: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Missouri)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 65 62

The operator is away on vacation or business. 13 12

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 11 10

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 9 9

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 4 4

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

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 1

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 105 100

 
95

Table D24: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Montana)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 14 50

The operator is away on vacation or business. 13 46

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 4

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 28 100

 

 
96

Table D25: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Nebraska)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 44 70

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 13 21

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 5 8

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 2

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 63 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
97

Table D26: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Nevada)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 6 60

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 2 20

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 20

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 10 100

 
98

Table D27: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Hampshire)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 100

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc.

- -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1 100

 
99

Table D28: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Jersey)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 50

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 50

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 2 100

 
100

Table D29: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New Mexico)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 7 64

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 2 18

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 9

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 9

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. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 11 100

 
101

Table D30: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (New York)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 15 79

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. 3 16

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 5

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 19 100

 
102

Table D31: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (North Carolina)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 35 90

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 5

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 3

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 3

Non-English speaking respondent: interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 39 101

 1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
103

Table D32: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (North Dakota)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 28 50

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 

16 29

The operator is away on vacation or business. 10 18

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 2

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 2

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 56 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
104

Table D33: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Ohio)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 9 45

The operator is away on vacation or business. 7 35

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 2 10

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 2 10

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. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 20 100

 
105

Table D34: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Oklahoma)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 6 50

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 25

The operator is away on vacation or business. 2 16

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 1 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. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 12 99

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
106

Table D35: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Oregon)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 4 50

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 3 38

Operator is ill or in hospital. 1 13

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

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. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 8 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
107

Table D36: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Pennsylvania)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 8 57

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 4 29

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 7

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 7

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 14 100

 
108

Table D37: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Rhode Island)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 100

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Total Number and Percent 1 100

 
109

Table D38: 2009 June Area Survey - Reasons for Inaccessibles (South Carolina)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 50

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 50

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Incomplete – Respondent provided partial information but 

would not or could not provide enough information to make 

the questionnaire complete.

- -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

Total Number and Percent 2 100

 
110

Table D39: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (South Dakota)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The operator is away on vacation or business. 17 44

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 12 30

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 5 13

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 3 8

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 3

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 3

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/

39 101

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
111

Table D40: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Tennessee)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 4 57

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 14

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 14

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 14

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 7 99

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
112

Table D41: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Texas)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; but could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 21 36

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 11 19

The operator is away on vacation or business. 8 14

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 6 10

Operator died or sent out of business in 2009/early 2010, 

but was in business for part of 2009. 6 10

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 4 7

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. 1 2

Operator is ill or in hospital. 1 2

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 2

Non-English speaking respondent: interpreter not available. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 59 102

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
113

Table D42: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Utah)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 33

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 1 33

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 33

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 3 100

 

 
114

Table D43: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Vermont)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The operator is away on vacation or business. 2 100

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 2 100

 
115

Table D44: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Virginia)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 13 62

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 5 24

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 3 14

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 21 100

 
116

Table D45: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Washington)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 27 63

The operator is away on vacation or business. 9 21

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 7 16

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 43 100

 
117

Table D46: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (West Virginia)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

The operator is away on vacation or business. - -

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. - -

Inaccessible, but no reason given. - -

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Incomplete – Respondent provided partial information but 

would not or could not provide enough information to make 

the questionnaire complete.

- -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 0 100

 
118

Table D47: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Wisconsin)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 44 65

The operator is away on vacation or business. 15 22

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. 4 6

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 3 4

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. 1 1

Access to the address on the label was denied by a 

gate/guard/etc. 1 1

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

Enumerator workload prevented this operation from being 

contacted during the survey period. - -

Total Number and Percent 1/ 68 99

 

1/ Total Percent may be less than or greater than 100% due to rounding.
119

Table D48: 2009 ARMS III - Reasons for Inaccessibles (Wyoming)

Reasons for Inaccessible/Incomplete Number Percent

Inaccessible, but no reason given. 7 78

Tried several times; could not reach anyone for an 

appointment. 1 11

The operator is away on vacation or business. 1 11

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. - -

The address on the label is seasonal housing or operation 

is vacant. - -

Non-English speaking respondent; interpreter not available. - -

No operation or respondent, as listed on the label, could be 

found. No structure exists. - -

Total Number and Percent 9 100