WASHINGTON, — Farmers and ranchers across the country are heeding the call to have their voices heard and their farms represented in the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
Farms need counted
With 1.4 million Census forms returned, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is thanking everyone for speaking up for their communities, their industry and their future by sending in their census form.
For those who missed the deadline, USDA reminds producers that their farm is important and needs to be counted. As a result, census forms are still being accepted.
“Information from the census of Agriculture helps USDA monitor trends and better understand the needs in agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Conducted every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the census provides detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture.
It looks at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers and ranchers do business.
Deadline
The deadline for submitting census forms was Feb. 4, and many farmers and ranchers have responded. However, those who did not respond by the original due date will receive another copy of the form in the mail to give them another opportunity.
“Accurate and comprehensive information from all farmers and ranchers is important so that the census can provide a true picture of U.S. agriculture today and help everyone plan appropriately for future,” said Vilsack.
“This level of information is only gathered and released once every five years, so we need the participation of every producer to ensure the agricultural industry and rural America receive the representation that will provide them with the most benefit and value.”
Submit census forms
Farmers and ranchers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website,www.agcensus.usda.gov.
Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.
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ya,we had to fill out one last year also,i called and asked them if it is every 5 years then why did we have to do it again.they said last year was just a test to see if it would work,,realy!
If it is all about ag,then why did they need to know how much your property and trucks are worth,how much you pay in utility bills,ect.