The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for providing statistical information and services to the agricultural sector. As part of its mission, NASS collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates data on crop and livestock production, prices, farm income, and other related statistics. Founded in 1863, NASS has been collecting agricultural data for more than 150 years, making it the oldest statistical agency in the country. It conducts several surveys and reports annually, including the Census of Agriculture, which is completed every five years and collects comprehensive data on farms and ranches across the United States. NASS maintains a robust database of agricultural information, accessible to policymakers, farmers, ranchers, and the general public through its website, publications, and data products. Its data is widely used by government agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private industry to make decisions about investments, regulations, and policy initiatives. Based in Washington, D.C., NASS has field offices in all 50 states, staffed by trained professionals who conduct surveys, collect and compile data, and provide technical assistance to stakeholders in their regions. The agency also collaborates with other federal, state, and local agencies to support agriculture research and development, education, and outreach efforts.