Make Sense Of The Census Of Agriculture
October 19, 2012 This December, when farmers and ranchers in Florida receive an Agricultural Census questionnaire in their mailboxes, they may have a few questions such as: “How did I get selected?”; “Who uses the information anyway?”; and/or “How does responding to the census benefit me?” These are all good questions, but first a bit of background.
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their responsibility.
The first Census of Agriculture was conducted in 1840 as part of the Population Census. At that time, Florida was a territory and not included in the publication. However, in the 1850 Census of Agriculture, 1,595,289 acres of farmland were reported along with a variety of production data, including 5,794 working oxen. In the 2007 Census of Agriculture, 9,231,570 acres of farmland were reported, but no working oxen! We did have 62,809 tractors reported, however.
In the 1889 Census of Agriculture, 38,935 acres of bearing orange trees were reported. Things have changed dramatically in that 530,535 acres of oranges were captured in the 2007 Census.
Now, back to the questions …
How Was I Selected?
The short answer is that everyone is selected for the Census. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail questionnaires for the 2012 Census of Agriculture to farm and ranch operators in late December to collect data for the 2012 calendar year. Completed forms are due by Feb. 4, 2013. Producers can return their forms by mail or can fill out the Census online via a secure website at Agcensus.usda.gov.
Who Uses Census Of Agriculture Data?
Census data are used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities — federal, state, and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and many others.
- Farmers and ranchers can use Census data to help make informed decisions about the future direction of their own operations.
- Companies and cooperatives use the facts and figures to determine the locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers.
- Community planners use the information to target needed services to rural residents.
- Legislators use the numbers from the Census when shaping farm policies and programs.
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 can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture, and they can help influence the decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities, and all of U.S. agriculture.
Is The Information An Individual Provides Kept Confidential?
Yes. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code, and CIPSEA, Public Law 107-347) that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records also is protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.
Must I Respond To The Census Of Agriculture?
Yes. U.S. law (Title 7, U.S. Code) requires all those who receive a Census report form to respond even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in 2012.
What If I Only Have A Small Operation Or Do Not Participate In Government Farm Programs, Do I Have To Fill Out A Census Form?
The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year.
What If I Did Not Receive Or I Lost My Census Of Agriculture Form?
If you need more information, or need help completing your Census form, call 888-424-7828 or visit Agcensus.usda.gov.
When Will 2012 Census Results Be Released?
NASS will release Census data, in both electronic and print formats, beginning in February 2014. Detailed reports will be published for all counties, states, and the nation.
Where Can I Find Census Of Agriculture Data?
Census of Agriculture data is available through the local NASS field office in your area and at many depository libraries, universities, and other state government offices. It also is available at Nass.usda.gov or Agcensus.usda.gov. For additional information on the Census of Agriculture and other NASS surveys, call the Agricultural Statistics Hotline at 800-727-9540.