By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of agriculture, when the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) begins distribution of the 2007 Census of Agriculture later this year.
Conducted every five years by USDA, the census is a complete count of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It 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.
“The Census of Agriculture provides information that is not available anywhere else – information that benefits agricultural producers and their communities in myriad ways,” said NASS Administrator Ron Bosecker.
“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.”
NASS will mail out forms on Dec. 28, to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by Feb. 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the option of filling out the census online via a secure website.
“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.”
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.
The data collected is used by a multitude of 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.
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.
“We want farmers and ranchers to know the census is their voice, their future and their responsibility,” Bosecker said.
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 Aug. 22, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
