The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Alabama farmers and ranchers that the window is closing on the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.

“NASS is grateful for the response from producers to date but it is important that others who received a Census questionnaire join their neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family in being part of the Census count,” said NASS Alabama State Statistician Cynthia Price.

“If you produced and sold $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2017, or normally would have produced and sold that much, we need to hear from you,” said Price. “If you’re a landowner who leases your land to a producer, we need to hear from you. If you received a Census form but do not fit this definition of a farm, please write your status on the form and send it back.” Price noted that NASS has already begun to follow up with producers who have not yet completed the questionnaire. “We send the questionnaire to many potential farmers and ranchers who may not be familiar with it,” said Price.

The Census of Agriculture is the only comprehensive source of Alabama county level data. Alabama agriculture has changed since 2012 and this is the opportunity to quantify that change.

Alabama producers can respond to the 2017 Census of Agriculture online at www.agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. The same law, Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113, that requires a response also requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and to only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release Census results in February 2019.

For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture or for assistance with the questionnaire, visit www.agcensus.usd.gov or call toll-free (888) 424-7828.