March 28, 2024

Still time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture

DES MOINES – Iowa farmers still have time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Although the first deadline has passed, NASS will continue to accept Census information through the spring to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture that represents all farmers and ranchers.

“We thank everyone who has completed their Census to date. As of March 8, just over 55 percent of the 113,000 Census questionnaires mailed to Iowa producers last fall have been returned,” said Greg Thessen – director of NASS’ Upper Midwest Regional Office in Des Moines. “A lot is at stake if producers are not represented. Ag Census data will influence important decisions for American agriculture. The data will affect every operation and every farming community at some point, whether it be through farm policy, allocating funding for conservation and loan programs as well as rural infrastructure improvements, or helping agribusinesses determine where to establish or expand to better serve farmers. There is accuracy and strength in numbers, which is why NASS is committed to giving producers every opportunity to respond.”

Federal law requires that everyone who receives a 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential. NASS will continue to follow-up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. To avoid these additional contacts, producers are encouraged to complete their Census either online at www.agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. Responding online saves time by skipping sections that do not apply and automatically calculating totals. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.

“We need to hear from all farmers and ranchers, no matter how big or how small their part of agriculture,” said Thessen. “Just like they invest in new technology or new machinery for their farm every few years, the time they spend completing the Census is an investment in providing updated information used by everyone involved in agriculture and rural communities.”

For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. For questions or assistance filling out the Census, call toll-free (888) 424-7828.