[blackbelly] Get your farm counted in the next agriculture census report

[Carol J. Elkins]

ARE YOU IN AGRICULTURE? MAKE SURE YOUR FARM IS COUNTED!

Your agriculture census report form wouldn't be hiding, would it? If so, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman urges farmers and ranchers to complete and return their forms today to make it known - agriculture counts. Because there are so many issues screaming for attention, and so few Americans involved in agricultural production of any kind, it is extremely important that every voice be heard. I am sharing this message with you because breed conservation rests on the premise that the future of our culture is dependent on agriculture.

"The Nation's agricultural sector has a critical stake in this census of agriculture," said Veneman. "Whether a large feedlot or a very small fruit and vegetable farm, every response is important because it helps in the development of future farm programs. We encourage participants to return completed forms as soon as possible to ensure that Agriculture counts."

Veneman points out that an accurate report of the farm operations in every state and county will help put together a complete, detailed picture of the Nation's agriculture. Everyone receiving a report form across the Nation's 3,000 plus counties must report by law (Title 7, U.S. Code). Snapshots of U.S. agriculture dating back to 1840 are a valuable resource to farmers, farm organizations, agribusiness, farm media, and county, state and federal governments.

Census data are used to:

1. Examine long-term trends and anticipate the future direction of agriculture.
2. Allocate Cooperative Extension funding, services, and research at the local level.
3. Allocate local and national funds for farm programs.
4. Help agribusiness develop sales territories and marketing plans for fertilizer, seed, processing, storage, transportation, and equipment.
5. Help State and Federal government agencies evaluate effects of changes in farm legislation.
6. Assess patterns in water use and irrigation to determine resource and management needs.

If you can answer yes to ANY of the following questions, you should have received, completed and returned your 2002 Census of Agriculture report form.

- Did you have day-to-day control of an agricultural operation from which agricultural products were sold in 2002?
- Did you grow any crops or raise livestock for other than home use in 2002?
- Did you own or rent land and operate this land for agricultural purposes in 2002?

If you have not received a report form, please call 1-888-4AG-STAT (424-7828) and one will be sent to you. If you have not returned your form, please do so today!

Anyone needing help completing their report form may call 1-888-4AG-STAT.

Results from the 2002 Census of Agriculture will be published on Feb. 3, 2004. They will be available on www.usda.gov/nass/, through your local NASS State office, as well as from many libraries and land grant universities. Individual reports are held strictly confidential by law
(Title 7, U.S. Code).

Donald E. Bixby, DVM
Technical Program Director
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-5704 FAX (919) 545-0022
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> < www.albc-usa.org>


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