Although the Feb. 3 deadline has passed, it’s not too late to submit your agriculture census report to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Anyone needing help completing their report form may call 1-888-4AG-STAT.
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As of Feb. 2, only 47% of Daviess County farmers had mailed in data for the nation’s 26th census of agriculture. An accurate report of farm operations in every state and county helps put together a complete, detailed picture of the nation’s agriculture. Here’s five reasons why it’s important to respond:
— Did you receive a government payment? Survey results are vital in determining disaster relief and direct payment funding.
— What about the Farm Bill? This “snapshot” of the economic health of American agriculture is essential to let policy makers determine necessary adjustments.
— Shared information? Data is used by other agencies (Federal Reserve Bank, Department of Commerce, etc.) to help allocate millions of dollars in federal support to states. The census is the best information available on the economic health of rural America.
— Without the census, tax codes and other policies affecting personal, family finances would be based solely on the Consumer Price Statistics which primarily come from urban and suburban families (farm families are not adequately represented).
— Farmers and their organizations need credible, reliable information showing the current economic conditions on farms to have a strong voice for their financial future.
Everyone receiving a report form across the nation’s 3,100 counties must report by law (Title 7, U.S. Code). Results from the 2002 Census of Agriculture will be published on Feb. 3, 2004. Results are also available on www.usda.gov/nass/ as well as at many libraries and land grant universities. Individual reports are held strictly confidential by law.