Data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture is scheduled to be released starting on Feb. 21, 2019, in conjunction with the 2019 Agricultural Outlook Forum and continue on a staggered schedule through the spring of 2019. The results of the Census will be available in aggregate form, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law. All Census data products will be available on NASS’ recently merged NASS/Ag Census website at http://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service concluded data collection for the 2017 Census of Agriculture with a 71.5% national response rate.

The Census, conducted once every five years, was mailed to more than 3 million known and potential farms and ranches across the United States late last year. Data collection ended this July. Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories will receive their Census of Agriculture questionnaires in January 2019.

 “We thank each and every producer who took the time to respond to the Census,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “The Census of Agriculture is an important part of U.S. history that remains as relevant today as it was in 1840 when it was first conducted. The Census gives voice and opportunity to all farmers and ranchers in America to tell the changing story of agriculture over the years and identify emerging trends and needs.”

The 71.5% response rate for 2017 came in below the 74.5% response rate for the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

“We modernized elements of our data collection for this Census to make it easier for those filling out questionnaires,” Hamer said. “However, it is unrealistic to think that everyone will respond to any survey, regardless of improvements and benefits. To account for certain levels of non-response, we use accepted statistical methods and practices in our data analyses. We look forward to sharing the results of the Census when our analyses are complete.”

Two Census special studies will also be conducted this winter: the 2018 Census of Aquaculture and the 2018 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. These questionnaires will be mailed in December and January, respectively, to the farms that reported these activities in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.

The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. As such, the data are widely-used by local and national decision-makers to help shape agricultural research and education programs, inform farm programs, boost rural infrastructure, determine disaster relief needs, and more.

Source: USDA NASS