service to its users by revisiting the definition and naming of summary statistics from previous years to make them consistent with the names used in the most recent years. Only in this manner can a consistent time series for the summary series be ensured. In addition, if possible, the introduction of new aggregate or categorical variables (such as the new “combined farm” typology) should be accompanied by the revision of older data sets to include those variables. At a minimum, ERS should, when possible, provide computer code to users that provides for an intertemporally consistent definition of the key variables they publish.

Recommendation 8.4: Database management practices should include a system for managing and reporting errors found by users for consistent labeling of the codes for raw variables, and for using the consistent names of the ERS-created summary variables over time.