The story of agricultural statistics in the United States spans from the late 18th century to the present day. This history is separated into five periods important to the evolution of agricultural statistics and the present-day National Agricultural Statistics Service.

• Early Beginnings 1776−1859
• The Founding Period 1860−1899
• Era of Turbulent Growth 1900−1939
• Era of Computerization & Research 1940−1979
• Era of Expanding Horizons 1980−2020