An Evaluation of Alternative Weights for a Weighted Estimator

This report evaluates two weights that are being considered as input into a weighted estimator of hog and cattle inventories and the number of farms. The weight based on cropland acreage with a definitional modification is recommended for further research over the weight based on total acres minus continuous waste, woods (excluding grazed woodland), roads and ditches. The cropland weight is preferred because it simplifies the questionnaire and instructions to the enumerators, should be less susceptible to nonsampling errors, reduces the data collection and computer editing requirements, and should provide estimates of similar precision.