2012 Census of Agriculture

In late December, farmers and ranchers will be receiving the 2012 Census of Agiculture.  This is one very important opportunity for farmers and ranchers to be advocates for agriculture by completing the Census by February 4.  Dean Groskurth, Director of USDA NASS Nebraska Field Office, is asking for Extension's assistance in promoting the 2012 Census of Agriculture .  Dean shares several promotional materials below that you might use for news columns or radio programs. 

If you have five minutes at a winter Extension program between now and late January, my recommendation would be that you share a short entertaining video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEqlAL8PlR8 on the 2012 Census of Agriculture.    Thanks for any assistance you can offer in promoting this very important process for telling agriculture's story.
Rick

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From Dean Groskurth:

Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska have an opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities by participating in the 2012 Census of Agriculture.  Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them.

I am asking for your assistance in promoting the Census of Agriculture throughout Nebraska. The Census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. It is a critical tool that gives producers a voice to influence decisions shaping the future of their community, industry and operation. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures, and other topics.  This information is used by all who serve farmers and rural communities from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses and trade associations. Answers to the Census impact farm programs and rural services that support your community.

NASS has promotional materials available at www.agcensus.usda.gov.  Click on http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Partners/  to find a printable Census Brochure to use along with Drop-in Advertisements that have posters to display. There is also a Sample Newsletter Article to promote the Census, and if producers have questions, please provide them with a copy of the Frequently Asked Questions. 

NASS will mail out Census forms in late December to collect data for the 2012 calendar year.  Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013.  Producers may use a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, to complete the Census, or return their forms by mail.  Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

For more information, please visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.  The Census of Agriculture is agriculture's voice, agriculture's  future, agriculture's  responsibility.

Thank you in advance for your support in promoting the Census of Agriculture.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Dean

Dean C. Groskurth

Director

USDA NASS Nebraska Field Office

Office: 402.437.5541 Ext. 10

Cell: 402.890.0251

Email: dean.groskurth@nass.usda.gov