Research in Sample Farm Census Methodology. Part I -- Comparative Statistical Efficiency of Sampling Units Smaller than the Minor Civil Division for Estimating Year-to-Year Change

Objectives of the Study: The problem of determining the correct sampling procedure for a sample census of agriculture involves two fundamental considerations: (1) the determination of type of sampling unit that will, under a given set of conditions, give the greatest accuracy with the minimum of administrative difficulty and cost; and (2) the determination of the size of sample necessary for a specified standard of accuracy. The expense of taking an annual sample census of agriculture would probably be difficult to justify unless such an enumeration-survey would furnish the basic data necessary for making estimates on major agricultural items by counties or type-of-farming areas. Accordingly, a project was outlined in September 1937 for investigating the statistical possibilities of sampling units smaller than the Minor Civil Division with respect to the measurement of year-to- year change on a county basis