"The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation," said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. "These data are used to make important local, state, and national decisions that will have a very real impact on farmers, ranchers, ag operations, and rural communities. I encourage producers to respond online or to send in their paper form today."
The questionnaire needs to be completed by everyone who received a form - including landowners who lease land to producers, those involved in conservation programs, even those who may have received the Census and do not farm. Every response matters.
Federal law, Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113, requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and to only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.
For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture or to respond online, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. Improved in 2017, the online form is faster and more convenient than ever. For questions about or assistance with filling out the Census, call toll-free (888) 424-7828.