In the News - May 2008
Final Call to be Counted in the 2007 Census of Agriculture
Census of Agriculture Forms Accepted Until Early June
LITTLE ROCK - Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) are calling and knocking on the doors of
Arkansas farmers and ranchers to remind them that it's not too late to respond
to the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
"More than 60,000 responses have already been received in Arkansas," says
Becky Cross, director of the NASS Arkansas Field Office. "I sincerely thank
those who have fulfilled their responsibility by completing and returning their
Census forms. But there are still some we need to hear from to make this the
most accurate Census on record."
While the official response deadline was Feb. 4, NASS will continue to accept
responses through early June.
"It's not too late to respond! We want to make sure that every farm and ranch
in Arkansas is counted," adds Cross. "So, if you have not done so already,
please complete and return your 2007
Census of Agriculture form today. By responding, producers are helping
themselves, their communities and Arkansas agriculture."
Conducted every five years, the Census of Agriculture is the only source of
consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the
nation. That information is used by town planners, policy makers, agribusinesses
and others to make important growth-generating decisions.
"The Census is an opportunity for local farmers to demonstrate the importance
of Arkansas agriculture and strength of rural America to the rest of the country," says
Cross. "But, more importantly, Census data is used to affect policy and business
decisions that will shape our communities for future generations."
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture personnel also use the
information to help make decisions.
Whether or not they are actively engaged in agricultural activity, everyone
who received a Census of Agriculture form is required by law to respond. Forms
can be returned by mail or submitted online. For more information, or for
assistance with completing the 2007 Census of Agriculture, call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit
www.agcensus.usda.gov. The Census is your voice, your future and your
responsibility.
May 16, 2008
For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Cross
Arkansas Agricultural Statistics Office
(501) 228-9926
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
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