Still Time to Respond to Census of Agriculture

Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Although the deadline for submitting the ag census has just passed, NASS will continue to accept completed census questionnaires through the spring to ensure all farmers and ranchers take advantage of the opportunity to be represented in the widely used data.

“My sincere appreciation is extended to all the producers who have completed the census to date. Without participation from producers like you, the census data cannot accurately reflect the health and well-being of U.S. agriculture,” said NASS Northeastern Regional Director King Whetstone. “There is still time for farmers to respond. When you respond to the census, you are ensuring you are seeing yourself in the data and showcasing the industry you are a part of. Census data drives decision-making at all levels of government. It is an indispensable tool that assists in both developing and administering programs that impact the agricultural community. Simply put, the census is your voice, your future, your opportunity.”

NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census either online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible.

Federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113 mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it, even if they are not currently farming. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential, use the information for statistical purposes only, and publish aggregate data to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on Twitter at @usda_nass