By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is gearing up for the 2027 Census of Agriculture with the commencement of the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) on January 24.
The NACS, a pivotal step in identifying participants for the upcoming census, will engage approximately 250,000 individuals involved in agricultural activities. The primary goal is to ensure the inclusion of every U.S. producer, regardless of the scale of their operation, in the eagerly anticipated agricultural census data.
Highlighting the significance of the survey, NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer emphasized its role in illustrating the breadth of American agriculture. He stressed the importance of every response, urging recipients to participate even if they believe the survey may not directly apply to them.
Recipients are urged to securely respond online at agcounts.usda.gov, using the unique survey code provided. Alternatively, they can mail back completed questionnaires using the prepaid envelope provided. Timely responses are underscored by NASS to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data.
Hamer emphasized the inclusive nature of the NACS, ensuring representation for everyone engaged in producing and selling $1,000 or more of agricultural products annually. The data collected will play a pivotal role in informing agricultural policies and programs, influencing operations across the United States.
The Census of Agriculture, conducted once every five years, serves as a comprehensive source of data on American agriculture, shaping the narrative of farmers, ranchers, and growers over time. The USDA is scheduled to release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data in February 2024.
Producers who did not receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture or the NACS are encouraged to sign up for inclusion at agcounts.usda.gov/getcounted. Confidentiality of reported information is assured in compliance with federal law. Further details about the NACS can be found at nass.usda.gov/go/nac, and survey assistance is available at 888-424-7828.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Michigan, General