The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding horse farm operators that it needs a Census of Agriculture response from all U.S. farms.

To get an accurate representation of Kentucky agriculture—of all farmers across the Commonwealth—NASS will continue to accept completed questionnaires through spring.

It came to NASS’ attention that some producers weren’t sure if the census applies if no crops or livestock are sold, but, in fact, all operations are important and every response matters. NASS is committed to giving producers every opportunity to be represented in this widely used data.

NASS will follow-up via mailings, phone calls, and farm visits with producers who have not yet responded. To avoid these additional contacts, farmers are encouraged to complete their census either online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible.

Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it, even if not currently farming.

For more information visit agcensus.usda.gov. Individuals with questions about the census or who require assistance in completing it can call toll-free 888/424-7828.

Author: David Knopf