Taken every five years, the Census
of Agriculture is a complete count of America's farms, ranches and
the people who operate them. Data on land use and ownership,
operator characteristics, production practices, expenditures and
more is captured. This year, National Agricultural Statistics
Service (NASS) will collect new information, including data on
active duty and military veteran farmers, as well as expanded
questions about food marketing practices.
"The Census of Agriculture is the
only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural
data for every county in the nation," explained Wisconsin State
Statistician Greg Bussler. "The more farmers who complete the
census, the more accurate the information we'll have available for
decision makers to rely on."
The Census differs from other NASS
surveys, as it collects demographic data on commodities such as
horses, bison and Christmas trees, that would not otherwise be
available.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Sheila Harsdorf
explains why its time well-spent. "As a legislator, I saw how
valuable census data was when making policy decisions," she said.
"I know as Secretary, we here at DATCP will use the census
information often when working with government officials,
agribusinesses and industry partners."
"If you produced and sold
$1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2017, or normally would
have produced and sold that much, we need to hear from you," said
NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. "If you're a
landowner who leases your land to a producer, we need to hear from
you. If you received a census but do not fit this definition of a
farm, please write your status on the form and send it
back."
Even the smallest plots of land, and
those raising only a few animals - whether in rural or urban areas
- should be counted. "The Census is each farmer's opportunity to
report how big of an impact agriculture really has on our local
communities, state and country," added Harsdorf. "This is the
chance for farmers to share their story and influence future
budgets, services, programs and policies."
Producers are encouraged to complete
the census online. The online form is accessible on any electronic
device, calculates totals automatically and skips questions that do
not pertain to your operation. Having your tax documents handy will
certainly help. In order to complete the online version, each
person will need his or her unique 17-digit code, which may be found on the
questionnaire.
NASS is encouraging U.S. producers
who have not returned their completed Census questionnaires to do
so as soon as possible to avoid phone and in-person
follow-up.
Responding to the Census of
Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law
105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information
confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and
only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity
of any individual producer or farm operation. Census results will
be released in February 2019.
For more information, call NASS at
(888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.