The U.S. Department of Agriculture is preparing to mail the 2012 Census of Agriculture to millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers later this year, and July 1 is the deadline to sign up to receive a census form. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them.
The Census is only done once every five years. WAgN uses those numbers in many ways — to write grant proposals, in talking with legislators, journalists and sponsors, to identify research topics and to design programs that make a difference.
In order to have the data we need to support women farmers, we need every woman farmer to participate. A farm is defined as any place that produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during the Census year (2012).
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which conducts the Census wants information from all producers, regardless of size or enterprise. ““Local and national leaders use the Census to make decisions that directly impact your business, your community and your industry,” NASS says. “Whether you’re farming four thousand acres or just four, it’s important. Every voice counts.”
By law, the information you provide to the Census is kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any other government or private entity.
If you’re a farmer and you haven’t signed up yet, please do it today. And please forward this message to friends and colleagues.
