By SUE RYAN
News staff writer
January 5, 2008

A census of U.S. farmers and ranchers that is only held once every five years is underway.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent forms out in late December and is asking those being surveyed to respond by Feb. 4.

Surveys are kept confidential since the National Agricultural Statistics Service, which prepares the results, only uses the information for statistical purposes and publishes data in tabulated totals. The report can not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation.

The Agriculture Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas.

While there will be many of the usual questions on crop acreage and production values, the 2007 census includes new questions focusing on organic commodities, energy, conservation methods and conservation-supported agriculture.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba urged growers to cooperate.

“There are many reasons for our producers to provide the information requested by the census, but the most compelling is that information about our agriculture is key for policy makers to make good and informed decisions that affect the industry,” she said.

The census data is used by different agencies and associations that serve farmers and rural communities. This includes federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many more.

Some examples include companies and cooperatives using census information to determine where to locate facilities serving agricultural producers. USDA uses information to ensure local service centers are staffed at appropriate levels while community planners use data to target needed services to rural residents.

Even growers who did not operate a farm or ranch in 2007 must respond. Federal law requires those who receive forms to reply. For census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.