Ag Census Critical

Every five years, a complete count of America's farms and ranches is taken, and the new questionnaire is in the mail this month.

The Census of Agriculture is the only accurate source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial data, according to Statistician Greg Bussler.

He says it's very important for farmers and ranchers in all states to fill out the form and get the information in.

"Because it gives farmers an opportunity to get their voice out and tell the importance of what agriculture is," he explains. "It's essential for providing food and fuel and fiber to the world."

According to Bussler, the census is an opportunity to illustrate the huge impact of agriculture on Wisconsin and the nation. The information is used by a number of organizations.

"To look at how Congress and universities are going to fund research programs," he states. "Look at possible new conservation programs. Companies look at it to determine where they're going to invest their money as far as new locations for distributors and manufacturing, that type of thing."

This year, in addition to receiving the form in the mail, farmers can also access the census online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.

The deadline to complete the agriculture census is Feb. 5.