The 2017 Census of Agriculture has started to reach producers across the nation. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Taken only once every five years, the census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. Dave Knopf, NASS director for the Eastern Mountain Region, says that while the census is a large questionnaire, it should take less than an hour to complete.
All farmers and ranchers should receive their census by the end of this month.
By filling out the questionnaire online, he says growers will enjoy multiple benefits over filling out the paper form. The online survey can also be accessed by a mobile phone or tablet.
Responding online is easy.
Assistance is also available for producers who need help completing the survey.
Federal law requires all those who receive a Census of Agriculture report form to respond even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in 2017. The deadline for the 2017 Census of Agriculture is February 5, 2018. The results will be available in February of 2019.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.