One of the most important agriculture surveys conducted in the United States is about to begin in Utah. The 1997 Census of Agriculture will survey every farmer and rancher across the country and in Utah.

What's in it for you?

The Census of Agriculture wants to make sure that, into the next century, the American farmer and rancher will continue to prosper, not just survive. The means to do that is through knowledge - knowledge of changing technologies, the wants and needs of the public, knowledge of competing markets, and knowledge of the agricultural industry. The census of agriculture provides that knowledge.

Census information is for 1997 production.

The questionnaire should be completed and returned no later than February 2, 1998. Every farmer or rancher must answer. Title 7 of the United States code requires all those who receive a census questionnaire to respond even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in 1997.

If you don't receive a questionnaire by early January 1998 and you have a farm, call toll free 1-888-424-7828 and request a questionnaire be sent to you. Census data will be published in early 1999. Visit the census website at: http://www.nass.usda.gov/census/.

Posted December 15, 1997