Farm equipment owners and agricultural producers may benefit from the services offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The organization provides a variety of information, including crop forecasts and prices. Recently, the USDA announced it will centralize the NASS' mission by opening a new office in St. Louis.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the facility will help streamline the statistical operations of his department. It will also allow for further standardization of surveys.
"USDA's investment in survey research is key in helping us understand emerging trends in agriculture and the farm sector, and in providing more efficient service to America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities," Vilsack said.
Over the next five years, federal officials plan to invest $35 million in revamping the NASS' new location. It will be housed in the Charles Prevedel Federal Building and should be opened by the latter half of 2011.
The office is expected to create 300 part-time and 100 full-time positions in the St. Louis area. The 46 NASS field offices will still continue to provide statistical support to the department.
USDA will open new NASS office next year
The USDA's data service will be getting a new central office.