As farmers and ranchers are filling out the 2017 Census of Agriculture, they will notice some new questions compared to the last questionnaire five years ago. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Erik Gerlach, State Statistician for South Dakota, explains what’s new in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
The changes to the census helps USDA continue its mission of serving all people involved in agriculture.
He says USDA evaluates what needs to be included in the next questionnaire as data is being compiled for the current questionnaire.
Gerlach explains other changes and updates producers will notice in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
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. Learn more online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.