Every five years, a complete count of America’s farms and ranches is taken, and the new questionnaire is in the mail this month. Data regarding land use and ownership, production practices and more is collected by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The Census of Agriculture is the only accurate source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial data, according to Wisconsin State Statistician Greg Bussler. He says it’s very important for farmers and ranchers in Wisconsin to fill out the form and get the information in.
Bussler says the more farmers who take time to complete the census, the more accurate the information will be for decision-makers who rely on the data. This year, in addition to receiving the form in the mail, farmers can also access the census online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.
According to Bussler, the census is an opportunity to illustrate the huge impact of agriculture on Wisconsin and the nation. The information is used by a number of organizations.
Five years ago, when the last ag census was taken, about 84 percent of Wisconsin farmers participated. Bussler is hoping to exceed that figure this time, saying the information will also have an impact locally.
The deadline to complete the ag census is February 5th.
