The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture has been extended to July 30.
According to University of Missouri Extension economist Ryan Milhollin, federal, state and local governments, as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others use the data to serve farmers and rural communities.
The USDA conducts the survey every five years, and it is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial data for every county in the U.S., according to Milhollin.
The law requires response, according to state statistician for the USDA in Columbia Robert Garino. He says even if you are no longer farming, you need to return the census form. Otherwise, the USDA continues to follow up with mailed questionnaires, phone calls or visits from a USDA enumerator.
Forms can be returned by mail or securely submitted online.
You can find the survey online at agcensus.usda.gov. For more information, call the census help line at (888) 424-7828 or contact Garino at (573) 876-0950.