The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts a survey of all agricultural producers every five years called the Census of Agriculture. These surveys were mailed out to all producers who were currently on the NASS register on December 28, 2007.
The information gathered in the survey is intended to assist with the allocation of funds for disaster relief, start-up funding, co-op opportunities, product marketing, and resource allocation. It is important that all producers be counted in the census, and is especially important that minority producers be fully represented in the statistics. NASS has determined that African American producers have been particularly under-represented in the census data.
If you received a census form in the mail, please complete the form and return it by mail as soon as possible prior to February 4, 2008. If you have not received a census form and have an agricultural operation that has the potential to produce $1,000 or more per year, NASS needs your input as well.
The Landowner’s Association of Texas (LAT) has partnered with NASS to ensure that all African American producers are fully represented in the current 2007 Census of Agriculture.
Two Census Field Days are planned for this month in Northeast Texas to assist producers in Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood, Upshur, Gregg, Rusk, Panola, and Shelby Counties.
The first Field Day will be held Thursday, January 24, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Smith County AgriLife Extension office (Smith County Cotton Belt Building, 1517 West Front St., Suite 116) in Tyler. Call (903) 590-2980 for directions.
The second Field Day will be held Thursday, January 31, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Rusk County AgriLife Extension office (113 East Fordall Street) in Henderson. Call (903) 657-0376 for directions.
LAT and NASS representatives will be present at these sessions to assist producers with completing the survey forms. For more information about either Field Day please contact Joe Radford at (903) 858-2247. For more information about the LAT, please visit their web site located at www.latx.org.
Responses to the census are confidential and your information will not be shared with anyone. If you need help completing your census form, you may also feel free to contact the Smith County Extension office. You may also complete the Census online for the first time this year by following the links at www.agcounts.usda.gov.
Leave a comment