The Livestock Chemical Use surveys provide detailed estimates of chemical usage on livestock and livestock facilities. These surveys are the basis for factual information on the types and quantities of chemicals applied to animals and their surroundings as well as producer practices.

The Livestock Chemical Use survey covers all major livestock species on an annual rotation. The survey is combined with the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) survey NASS conducts for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on a cost reimbursable basis. The species rotation is defined by APHIS. Species covered by NAHMS have included cow-calf, cattle on feed, dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, and chickens. The states included in each survey are the same as those covered by the base annual inventory survey for the species.

The survey only covers insecticides applied to the livestock and the facility to control external pests over a full year. It does not include pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and sanitizers.

Publications

The Agricultural Chemical Usage reports for livestock are released in May. Major tabulations include total pounds applied, rate per head per application, rate per head per year by active ingredient for the U.S. Also included are percent of applications by method of application. For facilities, total amount applied by active ingredient is published. The inventory estimates by state are reprinted in each publication.

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Program Content

Data are collected on products used, formulation (dry or liquid), number of head treated, rate per head per application, total amount applied per application, and number of applications for products applied to animals. For applications made to facilities, items asked are type of facility, product used, formulation, total amount applied, and number of times applied.

Uses

Producers and suppliers use the data to monitor practices and trends and for making business decisions. Government agencies use the data for product registration issues, risk assessments, benefit assessments, and worker safety issues. Economists and other analysts use the data as part of their overall studies of the agricultural sector.

Frequency

The Livestock Chemical Use survey is conducted annually for one species on a rotational basis. A particular species would rotate in about every five years.

Methods

The Livestock Chemical Use has been integrated with NAHMS since 2000. The combined NAHMS and Chemical Use questionnaire is called the General Management Report (GMR). Enumerators attempt to collect the GMR at the same time as the inventory survey. Personal enumeration is recommended for the GMR. Respondents may complete the inventory survey and defer the GMR to a later appointment. The data collection period last four to six weeks. Data are checked for internal consistency and compared to manufacturer=s recommendations to determine reasonableness.

Related Programs

Postharvest Chemical Use
Agricultural Resource Management, Phase II
Fruit and Vegetable Chemical Use

Last modified: 11/17/09

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