UNL Extension Educator, Webster County
December 14, 2012 Edition
It won’t be long and the buzz in the co-ops, coffee shops and local watering holes will be the packet that many farmers and ranchers will receive in the next week or two – and perhaps some have already received it. This packet is from the US Department of Agriculture and will contain the 2012 Census of Agriculture. I am sure that a lot of our agriculture producers in Nebraska are very much aware of the fact that this important survey is about to be taken, and I would like to put a plug in for the importance of each and every producer to fill it out and to do so accurately.
Whether they know it or not, 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. They call on farmers and ranchers to share their stories, ask questions and talk to their fellow producers about this critical effort. Individually, your answers to the Census can help grow your farm future; shape farm programs; and boost services for you, your community and your industry. For you that don’t take the time or energy to read, I have a suggestion. Simply go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEqlAL8PlR8 and watch a video explaining it.
The Ag Census, which documents agricultural statistics for every county in the nation, takes place only every five years. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures, and other topics. Producers are asked about crops grown in 2012, livestock or livestock products sold and animal inventories on hand at the end of the year. Data collected is used by federal, state and local governments, land-grant universities, agribusinesses, grower associations, lenders and many others. The census helps guide agricultural and rural policy, environmental and conservation programs, land-use planning, business investment and other decision making. Community planners use it to target needed services to rural residents and the input is very important when making decisions on schools and education. Companies and cooperatives can use the information to determine the locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers. Often legislators use the information when shaping farm policies and programs which affects the farmer.
Census data will provide information that will be used to benefit farmers, not be used against them. They can use the data to help make critical decisions about their operations. The entire land-grant university system, including UNL, relies on ag census data to prioritize its work. The research, academic and extension programs that land grant colleges like UNL conduct, extends to communities throughout the state, and yes --the county-level. Data helps decide which programs to offer and which to expand. I think even more importantly to me as an extension educator is that the so-called “formula funds” from the federal government for research and extension also are dependent on the ag census data.
Oh, I know - I have heard my own father years ago complain about “that darn government wanting to know my business” or “I just don’t have the time for this --and they will use it against me anyway.” I further know that these sentiments and some other rather colorful renditions of the same thing are common in a lot of the farmers and ranchers that I know. But I am asking that all of you, who receive the survey throughout Nebraska, please take the time and effort to help make it the accurate and useful tool that it is meant to be. 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 and our rural communities a voice to influence decisions shaping the future of their community, industry and even their own operations.
It tickles me whenever I hear people talk about their response to surveys, and in particular - census queries. All kinds of responses are usually discussed, and perhaps cussed, and I would imagine that some even hit the “circular file” ---or as some say “file 13”. I know that people view the government as snooping, or it is none of their business, and the ever popular – “they will use it to affect the markets, and I’ll be damn if I give that data to them!” I am fully aware of those time worn arguments. I hope that is not the case here and people really do take the time to fill them out, and do so accurately, as these instruments are very important to we in rural America in the real scope of things. I ask that you don’t do the circular file, file 13, or leave it on the table or your pickup dash. Accurate and complete data helps us all in the long run.
When it’s all said and done, it's important -- indeed, required by law -- that forms be completed and returned by Feb. 4, 2013, regardless of the size of a producer's operation. Producers may use a secure website to do it on line instead of by pencil. If they prefer they can go to www.agcensus.usda.gov , for an online Census, or simply fill out and return their forms by mail. Federal law not only requires that all agricultural producers to participate in the Census, it also requires that NASS keeps all individual information confidential! That information cannot be used against you - under law!
The Census of Agriculture is agriculture's voice, agriculture's future, agriculture's responsibility. With those things in mind, I hope all of those individuals who receive envelopes won’t just let them set on their kitchen tables, desks or perhaps pickup dashboard, but will maybe look at them a little differently. Take the time and quality effort to make a difference in providing data that affects us all. After all, the Census is your voice, your future and your responsibility.
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
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