There are a lot of very nice people working in USDA. Many locally here too. Most of them are just common everyday people like you and I, or at least certainly you. The next time you visit one of the offices, ask the counter person/specialist/whatever if they'd mind sharing some personal financial matters (like their livelihood means) with you that may or may not be followed up on in future calls and that may or may not be used publicly. Also, assure them that even though you personally have absolutely NO control in the matter, the information will not ever be made public.....probably....or maybe.....unless your laptop with records is stolen, or your "system" is hacked into...then  you'll do everything possible to get it back...with their info.

Tell the young lady or the seasoned "30 yr" guy that & tell them you'll report the findings here on NAT anonymously. Seriously, I'm interested in the reponse you'll get. Maybe I'm thinking wrong of your folks out there.

Personally, I don't discourage anyone from participating in any survey they wish. I also dislike it when someone berates another for not participating. Lots of govt related data collecting forms have some fine print at the bottom stating you'll be fined/imprisoned or some wording like that if you don't participate, OR if you provide erroneous information. Apparently they've found that it's human nature to not want to share this type of information and only threats of punishment will sway the public. Why is that? I believe most of the ag surveys will allow you to legally NOT participate. There's nothing wrong with asking if that's an alternative.

Like others have pointed out, although it's not exactly a direct comparison, but if you ever go on a JD factory tour, that's one of the pre-tour "briefing" rules you'll get from the friendly tour guides...."please don't ask how many/much of XXXX we build because that question won't be answered....". I'm also guessing that if you keep asking that question, you'll be touring the parking lot for the remainder of the day.