By Keith Robinson
Anyone needing Indiana agricultural statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture can now get them on a free mobile app created by Purdue University.
The app, a project of Agricultural Research at Purdue in cooperation with the Indiana field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service's Great Lakes Region, provides quick access to information in the Indiana Agricultural Statistics 2014-2015 publication. That publication, produced by NASS, is offered in print and online.
"We wanted to produce this app to satisfy the growing need for easy access to this information," said Karen Plaut, senior associate dean for research and faculty affairs in Purdue's College of Agriculture. "The accurate, reliable and unbiased facts in the publication are used by decision-makers who determine the future of Indiana's agricultural industry and also help the public better understand the size and scope of Indiana agriculture."
The information available through the app contains the same information as the print edition but is presented in a mobile user-friendly format, noted Greg Matli, NASS state statistician for Indiana.
Quick access
"For many in the industry and farmers who have been to the trade shows already, they have the bound book," he said. "But the app gives them access to the information formatted for mobile devices."
Other members of the public also will find the app handy should they need to look up Indiana agricultural statistics quickly in the moment.
The publication includes statewide and county-specific information on farm income by crop and livestock, per-acre yields and total production of crops, production expenses and government payments, including many other relevant data. The information is collected from Indiana farmers, agricultural businesses, USDA Farm Service Agency county staff, Purdue Extension staff and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture enumerators, among others.
The app is available for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Android users. It can be obtained through iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.
Source:purdue.edu