Tis' the season when mailboxes and
front porches are overflowing with holiday cards and wrapped
packages. Through all the hustle and bustle, farmers and ranchers
across the country should also look for their 2017 Census of
Agriculture form, set to arrive in the mail this December. It will
be their opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities
and industry by taking part in the census.
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."
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Sheila Harsdorf
encourages farmers to complete and return their Census this winter.
"I promise you that filling in your Census is time well-spent,"
said Harsdorf. "As a legislator, I saw how valuable census data was
when making policy decisions. I know as Secretary, we here at DATCP
will use the census information often when working with government
officials, agribusinesses and industry partners."
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."
A farm is defined as any place from
which at least $1,000 of agricultural products were produced and
sold, or normally would have been sold, during 2017. For a
simpler, faster and more efficient process, upon receiving their
questionnaire, 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. 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.
The deadline for farmers to complete the
census is February 5, 2018.
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.