E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Bill Blackson
Friday, November 16, 2007

www.nass.usda.gov/ny



               NASS URGES FARMERS TO COUNT THEIR FARMS ALONG
                  WITH THEIR BLESSINGS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As New York farm families gather this Thanksgiving to count their many
blessings and give thanks for another successful harvest, the National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office urges these
producers to ensure their farm is also counted in the 2007 Census of
Agriculture. The Census is a crucial tool that provides farmers with a
voice in the future of their community and operation.

"Thanksgiving reminds us that it can be easy to take for granted having a
safe and bountiful food supply when farmers have been doing such a great
job ensuring our nation has the nutrition and resources it needs to live
well," said Steve Ropel, director of the NASS New York Field Office. "But
to ensure farmers can continue feeding and clothing a growing world, we
need to provide them with the programs, services, and tools they need. To
do this, we urge them to speak out and let their voices be heard by
participating in the 2007 Census of Agriculture."

Conducted every five years by the USDA, the Census is a complete count of
the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census
looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production
practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only
source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the
nation.

"Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind farmers how important they are
and how much the nation appreciates their hard work," said Ropel. "It’s
also a good time to remind them that they have a voice and a responsibility
to use that voice to make a better future. Tools like the Census enable
farmers to help shape the future of agriculture and their own local
communities."

NASS will mail out Census forms on December 28, 2007 to collect data for
the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008.
Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have
the convenient option of filling out the Census online. For more
information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free
(888) 4AG-STAT or (888) 424-7828.



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11-16-07