Time Running Out To Participate In Census of Agriculture

NASS is reminding farmers across the Northwest that time is running out to participate in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.  To date, NASS has received more than 1.5 million complete questionnaires, 98,000 of which come from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.  Both Northwest and national return rates are below those reported for the 2012 Census.

NASS is encouraging producers who have not returned their questionnaires to so as soon as possible to avoid a phone and in-person follow-up.  The USDA is looking to hear from producers who sold $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2017, land owners who leased land to a producer, or anyone who received a Census form late last year to fill it out and return it.

“NASS is grateful for the response from producers to date, but it is important that the others who received a Census questionnaire join their neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family in being part of the Census count,” said NASS Northwest Regional Director Chris Mertz.

“We sent the questionnaire to many potential farmers and ranchers who may not be familiar with it. The followup will give them and other producers the opportunity to ask questions,” Mertz added. “Some farmers and ranchers were waiting until they gathered their tax documents before completing the Census; having that information handy will certainly make filling out the questionnaire faster and easier.”

The Census differs from other NASS surveys. It provides important demographic information and data on certain commodities, such as horses, bison, and Christmas trees, that would not otherwise be available. Revisions to the questionnaire in 2017 include new queries about military veteran status, decision-making on the farm, and food marketing practices.

Click Here to participate in the Census.

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