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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 11, 2013

www.nass.usda.gov/ny



          New York Farmers are Responding to the Census - Are You?
                     USDA Says, It’s Not too Late

Albany, NY, February 11, 2013 -  New York farmers and ranchers are not missing an opportunity to
have their voices heard and their farms represented in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. According to the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), over 22,000 Census
forms were submitted by state farmers, helping ensure New York’s communities and agricultural industry
have a voice in the future. For producers who missed the deadline, NASS is alerting them that it’s not too
late to be counted.

"Every New York farm and ranch is important and needs to be counted in the 2012 Census of
Agriculture," said King Whetstone, Director of the NASS, New York Field Office. "Whether you operate
on two acres or 2,000, the information gathered from all producers is important, so it can provide a true
picture of U.S. agriculture today and help everyone plan appropriately for tomorrow’s needs."

Conducted only once every five years by NASS, the Census provides detailed data covering nearly every
facet of U.S. agriculture at the national, state and county levels. It looks at land use and ownership,
production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business. Decision
makers and commodity groups at the local and state level use the Census of Agriculture to make decisions
that directly impact New York farmers, their businesses and their communities.

The deadline for submitting Census forms was February 4, and many New York producers have
responded. However, those who have not responded will receive a second copy of the form in the mail to
give them another opportunity. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure
website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the
Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

"If you have questions about the Census or need help filling out your form, I encourage you to visit
www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828)," added Whetstone. "NASS has
helpful tips available and people standing by to provide assistance - we want to help you make the
Census a successful and complete count of all New York agriculture."

The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.

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