(NAFB.com) – The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service mailed survey codes to a selected sample of irrigators across 50 states with an invitation to respond to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. The survey is a special study with the 2022 Census of Agriculture and provides the only comprehensive dataset of irrigation activities and water use across American farms, ranches, and horticultural operations. Producer input will aid USDA’s efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources across the U.S. The survey will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in January. Producers only need to respond once, either online or by mail. All responses are due by February 15, 2024. “Water is arguably the most important resource for agriculture and horticulture operations,” says NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “This survey is an opportunity to provide data that will influence policy decisions and impact the industry for years.”