Questions and Answers about the 1997 Census of Agriculture

For the first time, the census of agriculture is the responsibility of the United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In prior years, the agricultural census was conducted by the Bureau of the Census.

WHAT IS THE CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE?

The census of agriculture is a complete accounting of United States agricultural production.


The census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the Nation.


The census includes as a farm every place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold or normally would have been sold during the census year.


The census of agriculture is taken every five years covering the years ending in "2" and "7."

WHEN?

Census of Agriculture questionnaires will be mailed in December 1997 with responses due by February 2, 1998.

The 1997 Census of Agriculture will be similar to the 1992 and 1987 censuses. It will contain data on:




land use and ownership
operator characteristics
crops
machinery and equipment
livestock
fertilizer
poultry
chemicals
market value of products
energy expenditures
irrigated land
production expenses
type of organization
farm programs
corporate structure

USES OF CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE DATA

Agribusinesses use the data to develop market strategies and to determine the most effective locations for service to agricultural producers.


Farm organizations use census data to evaluate and propose programs and policies that can help agricultural producers.


Your elected representatives use census data to develop programs to protect and promote United States agriculture.


Public and private analysts make extensive use of census data in making projections and evaluating results of events and programs.


Rural electric companies use census data to forecast future energy needs for agricultural producers and their communities.


Colleges and Universities use census data in research programs to develop new and improved methods to increase agricultural production.


State Department of Agriculture use census data to plan for operations during drought and emergency outbreaks of diseases or infestation of pests.

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