02/06/08 Still time to return Ag Census

Washington Ag February 6, 2008 The deadline to return the latest Census of Agriculture forms was February 4th but if you haven't done so the National Agricultural Statistics Service will still take them. In fact, you will be getting a reminder from NASS to do so. The new director of the Washington state field office of NASS, David Knopf, says it's important for producers of all sized operations to return the census form. Knopf: "Every producer, no matter how big or small the operation, needs to share their voice in agriculture. So they should take advantage of that opportunity." Knopf says the information provided in the census is kept confidential. Knopf: "The information is protected by federal law. The information that they report is only used by the National Ag Statistics Service and the USDA to prepare the census reports. No individual reports would ever be shared outside of our agency." This year for the first time you can fill out the census form online. If you have questions or need help you can find out more at www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free 888-4AG-STAT, or 888-424-7828. I'm Bob Hoff.