The 2012 Census of Agriculture forms will be mailed to over 3 million U.S. agricultural producers during the last week of December. In Texas, about 375,000 Census forms are being mailed out. The mailings include all known farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, plus a large number of potential agricultural producers.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Texas Field Office has provided responses to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Census of Agriculture.
What is the Census of Agriculture? The first Census of Agriculture was conducted in 1840, and is now conducted every five years. The Census is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and tenure, operator characteristics, production practices and economic information. The Census serves as a very important “voice” for America’s farmers and ranchers.
Why is the Census of Agriculture important? The Census provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census, producers will show the value and importance of agriculture in their county and can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves and their communities.
Who uses the Census of Agriculture data? Census data are used by all who serve farmers and rural communities: university research and extension, state and local officials, agribusinesses, farm organizations, commodity groups, and many others.
• Companies and cooperatives use the facts and figures to determine future locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers.
• Community planners use the information to target needed services to rural residents.
• Legislators use Census statistics when shaping farm policies and programs.
• Producers use the information in making plans for their future operations.
Other uses of Census information:
• Used to allocate block grant dollars to states
• Used to allocate funds for beginning farmer, conservation and other programs
• Used to help identify research priorities and to allocate funds accordingly
• Used in rural economic development like broadband Internet expansion
I’m retired or I’ve never farmed, do I need to return the Census form? Yes.
Everyone who receives a Census form is required to return the Census form, even if they no longer farm or have never been involved in agriculture. A simple note of explanation on the front page will suffice. Please note: retired operators who own land enrolled in CRP or WRP are counted as farms and should complete the Census form.
I only have a small operation, do I count? Yes.
It only takes $1,000 worth of agricultural production to be counted as a farm. A few cows, several goats, laying hens for local egg sales, some hay production – it doesn’t take much to be a farm. Everyone should complete and return their Census form.
Other key points:
• The Census of Agriculture has mandatory reporting authority, just like the population Census. This is due to the tremendous value of the information and because of the large amount of funds and resources targeted and allocated based on Census results.
• Individual information is guaranteed complete confidentiality by federal law, Title 7 of the U.S. code. Title 7 prevents NASS from sharing individual information with any other government agency and also gives NASS immunity from any type of mandatory disclosure of individual data, including legal processes and FOIA.
• NASS is restricted to publishing only aggregate totals at state and county levels such that the identity of any individual is not discernible in the published totals.
• The form is lengthy, but there are many commodity specific sections for which producers will simply check “No”, because they do not raise those items.
• There is a toll free phone number on the front of the Census form for anyone with questions: (888) 424-7828. NASS will operate calling centers from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, to respond to incoming calls.
For additional information about the Census of Agriculture, please contact the USDA’s NASS Texas Field Office at (800) 626-3142.