I would like to find figures for the dollar amount of pesticides sold
by state for crop application, and a breakdown of how those pesticides
break out by crop for each state.  An ideal answer would contain the
following for each state -- "Texas: pesticide stales of $150M,
comprised of $50M for wheat, $50M for corn, $30M for soybeans, $10M
for cotton and $10M other sundry crops."  Current data is the most
useful (prefer 2000 or 2001).  Ideally, I can put this in a
spreadsheet (or it already comes in that format) so I can analyze
totals for the whole country, or on a state-by-state basis.  Please
provide original sources for the data, etc.  I think the gov't may
have some of this, as it's a heavily regulated industry.  Thank you!

Hi there!

Our search returned the following results:

There are a wide range of reports available for sale from the NASS
here:
http://www.usda.gov/nass/pubs/catalog2002.pdf

You would probably be most ineterested in this subscription:
"Agricultural Chemical Usage. 4 issues.  
Order # NASS-SUBPCU-4027.  
1 yr, $65.00; 2 yrs, $170.00; 3 yrs, $195.00.  
Prices are subject to change."

This same address allows users to access the same information FREE
through email periodicals, here is what they had to say regarding
this:

"Subscribe E-mail - Mann Library provides a FREE e-mail
service for NASS reports. When a current report is released,
it is sent via e-mail to the list of subscribers for that report.
From NASS Homepage at http:/www.usda.gov/nass/, select
Publications. From the Publications page, the Subscribe
E-mail button takes the user to the page describing e-mail
delivery of reports. Click on Go to the Subscription Page
and follow the instructions. It’s as simple as clicking on the
report name.
Subscriptions may also be obtained by sending an e-mail
message to usda-reports@usda.mannlib.cornell.edu. In
the body of the message put “Subscribe XXX, where XXX
is the “Report Code” for each publication desired."

In your case you would be interested in subscribing to
'agricultural-chemical' mailing list.

This same address also contains a method of obtaining information by
fax by using the appropriate code (this is on page 4 of the PDF). They
also have a CD-ROM (which seems to be all-encompassing) that is also
for sale (not if this would have your required information).


This site outlines how all private pesticide applicators keep records
of amounts used etc:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/science/sdpr.htm


Here is a UN Department that monitors world statistics on pesticide
use. Note this does not split up use by state or by crop type. "The
present database refers to the quantity of pesticides used in or sold
to the agricultural sector expressed in metric tons of active
ingredients. Information on quantities applied to single crops is not
available."
http://www.fao.org/waicent/FAOINFO/economic/pesticid.htm

Note that the first link would probably be your best bet since this is
the organization that regulates pesiticide use in the USA. Any other
sources that present knowledge of this type of data by state or crop
type are likely getting their information from there.

This information is not easily available on the web (except for maybe
the free email subscription) so you may just need to contact the
department directly as it is certainly likely that they do not have
all records online.

I hope this information gives you the lead you are looking for :) If
you require any further clarification please feel free to post it.

Cheers!
answerguru

Try the National Agricultural Statistics Service for official stats:

http://www.usda.gov/nass/

This .pdf page has a number of reports for sale on your topic:

http://www.usda.gov/nass/pubs/catalog2002.pdf - page 7

Examples:
Agricultural Chemicals & Pest Management

Agricultural Chemical Usage. 4 issues. 
Order # NASS-SUBPCU-4027. 
1 yr, $65.00; 2 yrs, $170.00; 3 yrs, $195.00. 
Prices are subject to change. 

2002 subscription includes:

Field Crops: May 15. Available as a separate issue of the above
subscription, Order # NASS-ZCU-2002, $33.00. 
Chemical application rates and acres treated, 2001 crop by State and U.S. for
corn, soybeans, upland cotton, and fall potatoes. Data will also be
published on pest management practices utilized.

Fruits: July 17. Order # NASS-ZFU-2002, $47.00. 
Chemical application rates and acres treated for selected 1999 fruit crops in
major producing States (alternate years with vegetables). Data will
also be published on pest management practices utilized.