NRCS readies for ag census

The United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service is urging farmers and ranchers to participate in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. The National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct the census, upon which all USDA agencies rely.

"Within NRCS, every mission area uses census data on a daily basis, in activities ranging from determining program allocation formulas to ensuring local service centers are staffed at appropriate levels," said Dan Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. "We have a vested interest in ensuring a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches, as well as the people who operate them."

NASS will mail Census of Agriculture report forms to farm and ranch operators beginning Dec. 28 to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Responses are due to the agency by Feb. 2, 2008.

Each NRCS office will have information about the census. For additional information, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.