Fill out that agriculture census form

The history of collecting data on U.S. agriculture dates back to President George Washington, who was known for keeping meticulous statistical records describing his and other farms. Such information was essential during this time when nine out of every 10 Americans lived on a farm. They needed to know what crops they should produce to ensure a plentiful bounty for the people to eat.

Beginning tomorrow, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail report forms for the 2007 Census of Agriculture to all Kansas farmers and ranchers. The completed forms are due by Feb. 4, 2008 -- either by mailing or, for the first time, it is available online via a secure Web site.

The census is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, no matter how large or how small. The definition of a farm, as the census is concerned, is a "place from which $,1000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year." It is required by law, even if you did not farm or ranch in 2007, to respond if you receive a Census report.

The census results provide valuable information on "the structure of agriculture, production of hundreds of commodities including very specialized crops and livestock, and operator characteristics for every county, state and the Nation," said Director of the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Eldon Thiessen, USDA-NASS.

"In addition, the 2007 Census of Agriculture will provide census figures on multiple operators per farm, production contracts/landlord shares, computer and Internet use, more detailed farm-related income, and data on minor commodities such as bison, elk, llamas, deer, emus and ostriches," he added.

Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Census enables agricultural producers to show the nation the value and importance of Kansas agriculture .

The data collected will be used by many facets of agriculture -- from local producers to governmental agencies, and from agribusinesses to trade associations. The information maybe used by companies and cooperatives to determine facility locations to serve agriculture producers, by the USDA to insure the local service centers are appropriately staffed, by Legislators when discussing farm policies and programs, and by farmers and ranchers in making informed decisions about their operations.

Individual information will be kept confidential, guaranteed by law. The NASS only uses the information for statistical purposes and results are only published in tabulated totals, never individual information. This report can not be used for taxation, investigation or regulation.

Beginning in February of 2009, Census information will be released in both print and electronic formats. Detailed reports will also be created for all counties, states and the nation.

Please do your part by completing the form when you receive it. For more information or to answer any questions, please visit the website at www.agcensus.usda.gov .

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.