The Census of Agriculture is the leading source of facts and figures about American agriculture. Conducted every five years, the Census provides a detailed picture of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the United States.

For the 2007 Census of Agriculture, forms will be mailed in late December 2007 and farmers and ranchers are asked to respond by mail or online by February 4, 2008. Participation by every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation, is vitally important. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities and all of U.S. agriculture.

The 2007 Census of Agriculture will collect information concerning all areas of farming and ranching operations, including production expenses, market value of products, and operator characteristics. This information is used by everyone who provides services to farmers and rural communities – including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, and many others. Census data is used to make decisions about many things that directly impact farmers, including:

• community planning
• store/company locations
• availability of operational loans and other funding
• location and staffing of service centers
• farm programs and policies

Participation in the Census is required by law, and that same law protects the confidentiality of all individual responses.

The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future and your responsibility!