| USDA Census information now available online |
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| By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Producers nationwide are now just a click away from information on the 2007 Census of Agriculture at www.agcensus.usda.gov
The new website is a clearinghouse created by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to provide farmers, ranchers and the rest of the agricultural community with the latest news and information on the upcoming Census.
“The Census site is part of our ongoing effort to accommodate the growing number of farmers and ranchers that are using the Internet,” said NASS Administrator Ron Bosecker. “Taking that effort even further, this year will mark the first time that producers have the option of filling out their Census forms online, saving both time and postage costs.”
NASS will mail out Census forms on Dec. 28 to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. This mailing will include instructions on how to log in and respond to the Census via a secure web connection. Whether they chose to respond online or by mail, producers are asked to return their completed Census forms by Feb. 4.
Conducted every five years by the USDA, the Census is a complete count of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation.
“Census website visitors can find answers to frequently asked questions about the Census and can access data from previous counts, dating all the way back to 1840,” Bosecker said. “In addition, those wanting to plan ahead can download a draft of the actual Census form and begin pulling together the information they’ll need to respond.”
Participating in the Census gives producers across the county an opportunity to help shape their own future.
“The Census of Agriculture provides information that is not available anywhere else – information that benefits agricultural producers and their communities in myriad ways,” Bosecker said. “For instance, policymakers use census data for decisions concerning agricultural and rural programs. Community planners use census information to target delivery of local services. Companies rely on census data when determining where to locate their operations. And farmers themselves look at census data when deciding to make changes in their production strategies.”
Through the census, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture, and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. By responding, NASS stated that producers are helping themselves, their communities and U.S. agriculture.
“We’re committed to making this census the best count ever. It’s about the future of U.S. agriculture and our nation’s rural communities,” Bosecker said. “Regardless of how large or small their operation is or what kinds of products they produce, farmers and ranchers will help themselves and their communities by filling out the Census of Agriculture and returning it promptly.”
Census data is used by many organizations that serve farmers and rural communities, from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses, trade associations and more. Companies and cooperatives use the information to determine the locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers, and community planners use it to target needed services to rural residents.
USDA uses the information to ensure local service centers are staffed at appropriated levels. Legislators use it to shape farm policies and programs. And farmers can use the data to make informed decisions about their own operations.
According to NASS, all individual information is kept confidential; information will only be used for statistical purposes and data will only be published in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation. For details, call 800-727-8540 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov
This farm news was published in the Sept. 19, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
| 9/19/2007 |
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