Responding to the 2012 Agricultural Census

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM USDA NASS: Farmers Responding to the 2012 Agricultural Census USDA Says, It’s Not too Late Farmers and ranchers are not missing an opportunity to have their voices heard and their farms represented in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), almost 1.5 million Census forms were submitted by farmers, helping ensure communities and agricultural industry have a voice in the future. For producers who missed the February 4 deadline, NASS is alerting them that it’s not too late to be counted. “Every farm and ranch is important and needs to be counted in the 2012 Census of Agriculture,” said Gary Keough, New England Field Office Director. “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.” For more information and to learn how to respond to the Census click "read more"

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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 farmers, their businesses and their communities.

The deadline for submitting Census forms was February 4, and many producers have responded. However, 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 visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. “Nationally, almost 200,000 have responded online. A Vermont dairy farmer told me he thinks he saved half an hour by completing his form online” says Keough. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

Farmers that did not receive a questionnaire in the mail can still sign up to get one by registering at https://www.agcounts.usda.gov/cgi-bin/counts/. They can enter their contact information and we will mail them a questionnaire.

“If you have questions about the Census or need help filling out your form, I encourage you to visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828),” added Keough. “NASS has helpful tips available and people standing by to provide assistance – we want to help you make the Census a successful and complete count of all [State] agriculture.”

The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.