ODA Encourages Producers to Fill Out USDA Surveys

The Oregon Department of Agriculture says that about 42,000 farmers and ranchers will be receiving Census of Ag questionnaires from the USDA.

NASS State Statistician for Oregon Dave Losh said producers will be asked to answer questions regarding crops, livestock, demographics, and economics.

“It’s really the only and best source of county-level data across Oregon and nationally that measurers the change since we did this last time five years ago.”

The information provides a very detailed look and can potentially identify problems where there are or could be difficulties.

Losh said the data really gives a complete picture of Oregon’s ag industry.

“Looking at the census data for previous years, we see more and more operations that are small in size and have people that work off the farm to make a go of it. Those are the types of folks that, even if you’re small, it’s really important to respond and be counted.”

Losh said the better data they have, the better the programs can help those in need and that’s why it’s important to fill out the survey by February 5^th, 2018.