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Last call for farmers to return U.S. Ag Census forms

MADISON — The U.S. Census of Agriculture only comes around once every five years, and time is running out for farmers to be counted. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reminds Wisconsin farmers to complete their 2012 Census of Agriculture forms by the February 4 deadline.

The Census of Agriculture, conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. The Census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation.

Census data is used by government leaders at the local, state and national level when making agricultural policy decisions. Agribusinesses and trade associations use the Census information to best serve farmers and rural communities.

Farms of all sizes are types are required to complete the Census. A farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. Information collected by the Census of Agriculture is kept confidential.

Census of Agriculture forms were mailed in late December 2012. Farmers can also complete the Census online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.

For more information, call toll-free 888-424-7828. Collected Census data will begin to be released in February 2014.