Agricultural News
Secretary Reese Compliments Producers Responding to Agriculture Census
Tue, 07 May 2013 11:18:55 CDT
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese complimented agricultural producers for responding to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is providing Oklahoma agricultural producers of all sizes and types a final chance to sow a seed for their future by responding to the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
"Thank you to the 70 percent of Oklahoma producers who have responded to the census," Reese said. "For those who have not yet responded, there is still time to be counted. We know that agriculture has been a major contributor to our robust economy despite the extended drought. New data from NASS shows total gross farm receipts exceeded $7.8 billion for the first time in 2011 with $6.6 billion in all livestock and $1.2 billion in crops. Without this data being turned in by producers, we are unable to illustrate the importance of our industry to the state's economy."
The Census of Agriculture, conducted once every five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. The information is used by town planners, policy makers, agribusinesses and others to help make important decisions for Oklahoma communities.
"I rely on data from the US Census of Agriculture to help me make the best possible decisions on behalf of Oklahoma agriculture," said Reese. "It's extremely important that the most accurate and up-to-date information is available to other policymakers and industry stakeholders as well. That's why I encourage all Oklahoma agriculturalists to make sure their voices are heard with this census."
NASS recently mailed the final copy of the 2012 Census of Agriculture to producers who have not yet responded, and is committed to ensuring every Oklahoma farm is counted whether it is producing vegetables for a farmers market or producing grains and forage on a large scale. Throughout the month of May, NASS representatives will make their final attempt to contact those who have not yet responded.
Agricultural producers can return their forms online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, or they can call for helpful tips and assistance on completing their census forms by calling 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828).
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