One of the more puzzling aspects of USDA reports always seems to be the planted acreage estimates. In part, that is because there are two separate USDA agencies issuing acreage numbers that are based on different factors.One of the more puzzling aspects of USDA reports always seems to be the planted acreage estimates. In part, that is because there are two separate USDA agencies issuing acreage numbers. The first is the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which produces the March planting intentions report and subsequent revisions that are based on surveys of more than 70,000 farmers across the country. The second is the Farm Service Agency (FSA). It releases acreage numbers compiled from actual farmers' certification of their...