By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s farmers and ranchers should still plan to respond to the 2007 Census of Agriculture either by Internet or postal mail, USDA Secretary Ed Schafer said last week.
“More than two million responses have already been received,” said Schafer. “I sincerely thank those who have fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning their census forms.
“However, a good number of producers have not been heard from, so I’m encouraging everyone to help make this the most accurate Census of Agriculture on record.”
Conducted every five years, this census is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics.
“The Census of Agriculture provides information that is not available anywhere else – information that benefits agricultural producers and their communities in myriad ways,” National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Administrator Ron 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 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.
Census data are used by organizations that serve farmers and rural communities, from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses, trade associations and more. USDA uses the information to ensure local service centers are staffed at appropriate levels.
“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.”
Forms were distributed in December, with producers initially asked to respond by Feb. 4. NASS already sent a second reminder mailing and representatives from its 46 field offices are now beginning to call and visit producers who have not responded.
Whether they are actively engaged in agricultural activity, everyone who received a Census of Agriculture form is required by law to respond. Forms can be returned by mail or submitted online.
“The census site is part of our ongoing effort to accommodate the growing number of farmers and ranchers that are using the Internet,” said 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.”
According to the NASS, all individual information is kept confidential and 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 May 21, 2008 issue of the Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
