The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has announced the conclusion of data collection for the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Federal law mandates that all recipients of the agricultural census complete and return the questionnaire, which can be done online at agcounts.usda.gov or through mail. The census serves as a vital platform for farmers to demonstrate the value and significance of New York agriculture to the global community. By participating, various agricultural sectors across the state can be acknowledged and accurately represented.
It is important to note that recipients who produced and sold $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, or would typically meet that threshold, are classified as farms according to the USDA's definition. Even landowners who lease their land to producers, individuals involved in conservation programs, and those who did not engage in farming in 2022 are still required to respond. Recipients who do not fit the definition of a farm or have updates to share are urged to write their status on the form and return it, emphasizing the significance of every response.
Unlike other surveys conducted by the USDA, the Census of Agriculture occurs once every five years and provides crucial demographic information and data on specific commodities, including horses, bison, and Christmas trees, that would otherwise remain unavailable. The census comprehensively collects information on various aspects of American agriculture, offering a holistic view of the industry's well-being. The 2022 questionnaire introduces new inquiries concerning precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep, and updates internet access-related questions.
For those needing assistance with completing the agricultural census, a helpline is available at 1 (888) 424-7828. NASS plans to release the census data in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit the official website at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. NASS, as the federal statistical agency responsible for providing accurate and timely agricultural statistics, remains committed to serving the needs of the U.S. agricultural sector. Farmers are encouraged to actively contribute to this comprehensive data collection effort to ensure the industry's insights and contributions are accurately represented.
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Categories: New York, Business, Livestock, Goats & Sheep