The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently invited agriculture producers across the U.S. to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture by Feb. 6, 2023.
The Census of Agriculture is a survey collected every five years by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) that “highlights land use and ownership, producer characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures,” and other topics, according to a press release.
Between census years, NASS looks at emerging trends and changes in the agriculture industry and updates the questionnaire based on its findings. With the last Census of Agriculture taking place in 2017, this is the first year the USDA NASS will be including hemp production data—as industrial hemp was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill.
NASS also revised the survey to include questions regarding precision agriculture, hair sheep, and updates to internet access, according to the release.
“The 2022 Census of Agriculture is a powerful voice for American agriculture. The information gathered through the ag census influences policy decisions that will have a tremendous impact on ag producers and their communities for years to come,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I strongly encourage all farmers, no matter how large or small their operation, to promptly complete and return their ag census. This is your opportunity to share your voice, uplift the value and showcase the uniqueness of American agriculture.”
Farmers can complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture at agcounts.usda.gov.
