Still Time To Be Counted in Ag Census

More from the National Agricultural Statistics Services on the 2012 Census of Agriculture:


Being counted in the Census of Agriculture is an opportunity that comes along only once every five years.

In 2007, 79 percent of farmers and ranchers responded to the Census of Agriculture to ensure their voices were heard. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is challenging New York’s agricultural community to come together and surpass this response rate for the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

There’s strength in numbers and only those producers who respond to the Census can ensure that the numbers gathered help shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the future of farming in New York.

For example, published Census data is used by dozens of USDA programs that benefit farmers and ranchers in the state, including the Direct Loan Program, Guaranteed Loan Program, Conservation Reserve Program,
Commodity Outlook Program, Commodity Market Analysis, Extension funding and more.

NASS already has received nearly 57 percent completed Census forms at the national level. The dedication and effort of the many farmers and ranchers who have responded is sincerely appreciated. For those who have not yet completed their form, there is good news – there is still time to be counted.

A second copy of the Census recently was mailed to those who have not yet responded. If you receive a
Census form, complete it as soon as possible. NASS will also begin telephone follow-up and personal
visits to help collect responses. NASS is committed to ensuring that every farm and ranch in New York is
counted to provide the most comprehensive data available for the future of the state’s agricultural industry and rural communities.

Farmers 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. For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828).