11/29/07 Stand up and be counted in ag census

On December 28th the National Agricultural Statistics Service will mail about three million questionnaires to producers and potential producers throughout the nation. Coming to your mail box is the 2007 Census of Agriculture. NASS Deputy Administrator Carol House says given all of the changes in agriculture this new survey has some new things in it. HOUSE "We're asking a question about energy generation on farms, energy production through windmills. Organics and specialty farming are getting more time on the questionnaire, more questions. Agri-tourism, we're asking questions about that and direct marketing of agricultural commodities." The Ag Census provides a complete count of US farms and ranches and the people who operate them. House says it's vitally important because it provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. HOUSE "This new information is going to help us actually keep track of the trends and developments that are occurring across the nation." House says the 2007 Ag Census is the producers' voice, future and responsibility. Your census form should arrive in early January and has to be completed by February fourth. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott