The deadline to take part in the 2012 Census of Agriculture is fast approaching.
The deadline to fill out the census form and send it in is May 31. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be
counted and help determine the future of farming in America.
According to a news release, USDA has
already received more than 2 million completed census forms.
"Our nation needs your help to ensure that decisions about U.S.
agriculture accurately represent you, your communities, and your
industry," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "For every 158 people
in America there is one farm. I urge you to take action today and
respond to the census – your country is counting on the information to
help ensure a continued supply of food, fiber and fuel for generations
to come."
The Census of Agriculture, conducted only once every five years, is
the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for
every state and county in the nation. It looks at farms, value of land,
market value of agricultural production, farm practices, expenditures,
and other factors that affect the way farmers and ranchers do business.
The information is used by agribusinesses, town planners, local
governments, and policy makers, as well as farmers, ranchers, growers
and others to shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the
future of farming, according to the news release.
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).
The deadline to file your Census of Agriculture form has passed, but the government is giving everyone who missed the deadline a second chance.
Those who have not responded will receive a second copy of the form in the mail to give them another opportunity. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by www.agcensus.usda.gov
going to this link.
Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the
Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.
“Every New York farm and ranch is important and needs to be counted in the 2012 Census of Agriculture,” said King Whetstone, director of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office. “Whether you operate on two acres or 2,000, the information gathered from all producers is important, so it can provide a true picture of U.S. agriculture today and help everyone plan appropriately for tomorrow’s needs.”
Conducted only once every five years by NASS, the census provides detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture at the national, state and county levels. It looks at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business
Decision makers and commodity groups at the local and state level use the Census of Agriculture to make decisions that directly impact New York farmers, their businesses and their communities.
Anyone with questions about the census or who need help filling out your form, should go to www.agcensus.usda.gov this link or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828).
