In the News - January 2008
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
Ag census provides important data that can help producers, decision makers
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Over the last few months, I've be able to use recent and
historical agricultural census information to educate and illustrate agriculture
facts to a growing number of non-farm residents.
This has been possible because ag census information can be dated back to a
fellow by the name of George Washington.
The foresight to understand the importance of agriculture information to
consumers and producers, no doubt enabled the United States to become the
world's bread basket.
I mention this because the 2007 Census of Agriculture survey has been mailed
to all agriculture producers. Yes, everyone who receives an ag census survey is
required to respond, but I hope producers get beyond the point of thinking that,
“Uncle Sam doesn't need to know my business!”
The truth of the matter is that non-farm folks are the main users of ag
census information. That's understandable since they often make the key
decisions at national, state and local levels throughout the United States. If
the information is poor or incomplete, well, agriculture producers and their
rural communities are the ones who suffer the consequences.
I mention rural communities because ag census data is used to make financial
decisions and develop many rural services and work incentive programs.
Surprisingly, it's not just about the number of acres or the crops, cows and
chickens that farmers produce. The ability of the next generation to live in,
while helping to maintain the viability of our rural communities, is a growing
concern affected by ag census data.
We often bemoan the fact that little new blood is joining the ranks of
America's farmers. The ag census is the only means of documenting the fact that
agriculture producers, on average, are simply getting old. Incentives to
encourage an influx of young producers to combat the problem can only come from
legislation. Those legislators need the best possible set of facts.
I've only mentioned a few main reasons for producers to complete the ag
census report, which information, by federal law, is not accessible to the IRS
or any federal, state or local regulatory agency. Your information is also fully
protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.
Contact your county extension agent for more information. The Cooperative
Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
January 11, 2008
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
Related Link
|
