2017 Census of Agriculture Gets Underway
Questionnaires being sent to over 3 million U.S. producers
The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) National
Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS) 2017 Census of
Agriculture is in the mail.
Conducted once every five
years, the census aims to get a
complete and accurate picture
of American agriculture. The
resulting data are used by farmers,
ranchers, trade associations,
researchers, policymakers,
and many others to help make
decisions in community planning,
farm assistance programs,
technology development, farm
advocacy, agribusiness setup, rural
development, and more.
Farm operations of all sizes
which produced and sold, or
normally would have sold, $1,000
or more of agricultural product in
2017 are included in the census.
The census is the only source of
uniform, comprehensive, and
impartial agriculture data for every
state and county in the nation.
NASS revised the census
forms in an attempt to document
changes and emerging trends in
the industry. Changes include
a new question about military
veteran status, expanded questions
about food marketing practices,
and questions about on-farm
decision-making to help better
capture the roles and contributions
of beginning farmers, women
farmers, and others involved in
running a farm enterprise.
“Producers can respond to
the census online or by mail. We
highly recommend the updated
online questionnaire. We heard
what people wanted and we
made responding to the census
easier than ever,” said NASS
Administrator Hubert Hamer.
“The online questionnaire now
has timesaving features, such as
automatic calculations, and the
convenience of being accessible on
mobile and desktop devices.”
The census response deadline
is February 5, 2018. Responding
to the Census of Agriculture is
required by law under Title 7
USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113.
NASS will release the results of the
census in February 2019.
For more information about
the census, visit www.agcensus.
usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
FCS Financial Pledges $50,000 to 4H
FCS Financial has pledged its support to Missouri’s youth through a commitment of $50,000 to Missouri 4-H.
Over the next five years, FCS Financial will provide $10,000 installments to Missouri 4-H Foundation for the
Youth Futures Program, Hall of Fame, 4-H Clover and livestock, equine and dairy judging. The partnership
ensures the continued success of more than 220,000 young people who participate in 4-H clubs and special
interest programs throughout the state.
“Missouri 4-H provides an outstanding opportunity for children to learn about leadership, agriculture and
community service,” David Janish, FCS Financial CEO, says. “The programs we chose to support with our pledge
align with FCS Financial’s values by offering life skills and education for future success as well as recognition for
those who have volunteered with Missouri 4-H shaping the next generation of rural leaders.”
Missouri 4-H creates environments that engage youth in fun, hands-on activities to help prepare them for
college and their careers. Through the programs they discover strengths, expand their knowledge and improve
their world in partnership with caring adult volunteers who help them grow into true leaders.
“FCS Financial’s pledge allows Missouri 4-H to provide a safe and supportive environment, where young
people learn real-world skills that will prepare them for the challenges they face today and in the future,” Rachel
Augustine, Missouri 4-H Foundation Director, says. “Through partnerships with ag industry leaders such as FCS
Financial, Missouri 4-H is able to continue its legacy of service.”
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