LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As we celebrate National Ag Day March 20, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service wants farmers to know they still have time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Although the first deadline has passed, NASS will continue to accept Census information to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture that represents all farmers.
“NASS needs a Census of Agriculture response from all Kentucky producers,” said David Knopf, director of the NASS Eastern Mountain Regional Office in Kentucky. “In order to get an accurate representation of the Commonwealth’s agriculture, NASS will continue to accept completed Census questionnaires through spring. We’ve heard that some producers need extra time to gather documents for taxes and the Census. All operations are important and every response matters. NASS is committed to giving producers every opportunity to be represented in these widely-used data.
Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete it and return it, even if not currently farming. NASS will continue to follow-up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. To avoid these additional contacts, farmers are encouraged to complete their Census either online 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.
“Our goal is at least 80 percent response, and Kentucky’s response rate is currently at 45 percent,” Knopf said. “We have several counties under 40 percent, and we’re asking every farmer to take the time to respond to the Census.”
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.
For more information about Kentucky surveys and reports, call the NASS Kentucky Field Office at (800) 928-5277, or visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Kentucky/.
— USDA, NASS, Eastern Mountain Regional Field Office
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