The type or particular organization sponsoring a survey data collection is typically thought to have an impact on survey response. A series of questions was asked of agricultural establishments selected for the National Agricultural Statistics Service's quarterly agricultural surveys state in order to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of respondents toward NASS survey participation. The questions were about the respondents' identification of the agency, their perceptions of the agency and its data, the effect of data on respondents, and their opinions regarding responding to NASS surveys. These questions were asked of both respondents and non-respondents to the surveys in contacts throughout 1998 and 1999. Results suggest that it is not recognition of the agency that is related to NASS response rates, but the perceptions of how NASS reports and services impact farm operators. Distinct differences were found in attitudes of respondents and non-respondents for some of these measures.