Monday, January 28, 2013
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Illinois Farm Bureau reminds members that the February 4 deadline is quickly approaching.
Every five years, the USDA conducts a census of agriculture, a complete count of America's farms and the people who operate them. The census is the only source for ag facts that is uniform, comprehensive and impartial. Because this information is highly valued, it is used to make decisions that impact you and the way you farm.
Numerous people use the census:
The information gathered will influence decisions about:
To date, America's farmers are taking action in overwhelming numbers to mail back their completed Agriculture Census forms, submit them online, or call and e-mail for assistance.
"The Census of Agriculture is at its peak and we thank those producers who have completed their survey form. Every response is vitally important," said Renee Picanso, Census and Survey Division Director of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). "When completed, the Census is a valuable tool and a remarkable achievement for the entire agricultural community."
Top 5 Questions & USDA Answers
When I go online, why does it say the survey code from my Census form is invalid? Be sure you are entering the 17-digit ID code from the mailing label of the Census form you received in the mail; this is your unique Census ID code. This code is alphanumeric, and some of the letters and numbers may be difficult to distinguish. Here is a helpful tip to try - the 8th digit should be a letter. If it appears to be the number eight (8) try entering the letter 'B', likewise, if it looks like the number zero (0), try entering the letter 'D'.
Why won't the survey code on the Census postcard I received in the mail work? If you are trying to complete the Census online, you need your unique Census ID code from the mailing label of the Census form that was mailed to you. It is a series of 17 numbers and letters that appear on the first line of the label, immediately above the bars. The series of numbers on the postcard are not your Census ID code.
Why did I receive a reminder postcard when I already responded to the Census? Didn't you receive my form? Sometimes due to delays in processing and receiving, forms cross in the mail which results in you receiving a reminder even though you already responded. We apologize for this inconvenience. When this occurs, please ignore the follow-up mailing and allow additional time for NASS to receive and process your completed Census form. For reference, additional mailings are planned for around February 14 and March 20.
What if I have a small operation or do not participate in government farm programs, do I have to fill out a Census form? The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year (2012 this time). Many people who do not think of themselves as a farmer actually meet the definition according to the Census. If you own horses, backyard chickens, large urban gardens, etc., you may qualify as a farmer. If you do not qualify as a farmer, NASS will remove your name and address from the list once we receive your submitted form in the mail or online. If you do not respond in any way, NASS will continue to contact you by mail, phone or in person to obtain a response.
What do I do if the name or address is incorrect on the form? Make any necessary corrections to the name, address, and ZIP code directly on the front page of the Census form in the mailing label area. This will ensure NASS updates your information when we receive your form.
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