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



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  William Blackson
Monday, March 3, 2008

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


                   PLANT A SEED FOR YOUR FUTURE WITH THE
                         2007 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE


With planting season just around the corner, U.S. farmers and ranchers
still have a chance to sow a seed for their future by standing up and being
counted in the 2007 Census of Agriculture.

"We’ve already received more than 1.7 million completed Census forms, and
we sincerely appreciate the dedication and effort of the many farmers and
ranchers who have responded," said Steve Ropel, director of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
New York Field Office. "But for those whom we have not yet heard from,
there is good news " there is still time to be counted. So before you jump
back on that tractor, take a moment to complete and return your
Census."

The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, is the only source
of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and
county in the nation. That information is used by town planners,
policy makers, agribusinesses and others to make important
growth-generating decisions.

"So really, by responding to the Census, the nation’s agricultural
producers are sowing seeds that will reap benefits far into the future,"
Ropel said. "That’s why we are committed to ensuring that every farm and
ranch operation in the United States is counted."

NASS recently mailed a second copy of the Census to those who have not yet
responded. "And as we move into spring, we’ll be following up with
additional mailings and phone calls in order to ensure that no one is left
out," Ropel added. "The Census really is every producer’s opportunity to be
a voice for their own business, their community and their industry."

 Producers can return their Census forms by mail or, for the first time,
 they have the convenient option of responding online. For more
information, or for assistance with completing the 2007 Census of
Agriculture, call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.



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3-3-08