Illinois's farmers and ranchers will soon be able to be represented in the nation's only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county and territory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will mail the 2022 Census of Agriculture to millions of agriculture producers across the 50 states and Puerto Rico this fall. USDA will mail more than 100,000 Census questionnaires to Illinois ag producers and potential ag producers.
The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, is unique because it is the only time farms of every type and size can report their contribution to Illinois agriculture. Every commodity from the rarest to the most common in the state is included. Information on land use, farming practices, farmer characteristics, organics, food marketing practices, machinery & equipment, precision agriculture, renewable energy, and farm-related income is also collected.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture will be mailed in phases, starting with an invitation to respond online in November followed by paper questionnaires in December. Farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022 are included in the ag census.
"Agriculture is a large and vital part of the Illinois economy," said Mark Schleusener, Illinois state statistician for USDA-NASS. "The Ag Census will provide state and county-level information that tell the story of Illinois agriculture. The results will be used by local organizations to support and enhance agriculture in Illinois. By responding, Illinois farmers and ranchers ensure the most accurate data is available for better decisions. I encourage everyone to respond, and to respond online if possible. That will save taxpayer dollars."
To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/agcensus or call 800-727-9540. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, and partner tools to help spread the word about the upcoming ag census, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information on the upcoming Census of Agriculture, follow USDA NASS on twitter @usda_nass.
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy