Agricultural statistics in the U.S. is documented in NASS's timeline as far back as President George Washington. As an early compiler of U.S. agricultural information, Washington corresponded with land holders asking for information on farmland prices, commodity prices and crop yields.

"We are pleased to make this part of America's agricultural heritage more widely available on the occasion of USDA's 150th anniversary," said NASS Administrator Cynthia Clark. 

"'Collecting, arranging, publishing, and disseminating, for the benefit of the nation, statistical and other useful information in regard to agriculture' was central to President Abraham Lincoln's purpose for establishing the department. Today, NASS proudly carries forth this responsibility."

As a fun way to explore its history online, NASS is conducting a web-based scavenger hunt for the remainder of May.

Click here to view the timeline and to participate in the online scavenger hunt.

Participants can dive into the timeline as well as the NASS website to find interesting historical and current facts. For instance, did you know that the first Census of Agriculture was conducted in 1840? 

—From National Agricultural Statistics Service news release