USDA institutes new data checks after September corn error

The National Agricultural Statistics Service confirmed last month that a processing error distorted September estimates for corn plant counts, yields, and production in Kansas and Nebraska. The agency is now implementing additional checks to prevent similar mistakes in future publications.

The error affected three specific data points for the two Midwestern states. NASS stated it will verify data accuracy with new checks before publishing reports. This follows a review of September and October data to ensure no further changes are needed.

Faith Parum of the Farm Bureau noted that USDA is updating its models to improve report reliability. She said, "USDA has looked back at the September and October reports to make sure there are no more changes in any parts of the report, and they have continued to make sure that they are updating their models to make sure that these errors don’t happen in the future." Parum added that farmers rely on these reports for production, financing, and marketing decisions.

The National Corn Growers Association labeled the mistake unacceptable. The group argues that recent USDA reports have cost corn farmers billions of dollars in market value as prices continue to fall. NCGA is demanding immediate changes to stop future errors.

The agency’s response includes internal reviews to ensure the integrity of its agricultural statistics. The new verification steps will apply to all upcoming NASS publications.