What is the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture, taken every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and many other areas.

Why is the Census of Agriculture important?

The Census provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come.

How was the Census conducted?

Report forms for the 2007 Census of Agriculture were mailed to farm and ranch operators in December 2007. Producers responded to the Census by mail and, for the first time, had the option of filling out the Census online.

What gives USDA the authority to conduct the Census of Agriculture?

The 2007 Census of Agriculture is required by law under the “Census of Agriculture Act of 1997,” Public Law 105-113 (Title 7, United States Code, Section 2204g). The Census of Agriculture includes each state, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

Does the public have a chance to provide feedback on the Census of Agriculture?

Yes. Comments from the public on the necessity of the Census, methodology, ways to enhance quality and ideas to reduce the burden of data collection were requested through The Federal Register. NASS also sought feedback from numerous data users and USDA’s Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics.

What products are available from the 2007 Census of Agriculture?

For a full list of 2007 Census products, release dates and ordering information, click here.

Is Census of Agriculture data available from previous years?

Yes. Census of Agriculture data is available here in electronic database format (QuickStats) for the years 1997, 2002 and 2007. Additionally, the Censuses of Agriculture from 1840 – 1950 are available in PDF format here.
 

What is the definition of a farm?

For the 2007 Census of Agriculture, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced or sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The $1,000 value is not adjusted for inflation.

Can I obtain information about individual farmers (operators) or their responses to the Census of Agriculture?

No. NASS only publishes statistical aggregates and no information from individual operations will ever be disclosed. For additional information on the NASS Confidentiality and Security pledges, please visit:
http://www.nass.usda.gov/About_NASS/
index.asp

However, if you participated in the Census, you may receive a copy of your report. For information, click here.

Can I obtain Census of Agriculture data that has not been published?

Yes. NASS can prepare a special tabulation report based on Census of Agriculture data. Please note that all requests are reviewed to ensure that no individual operator’s data is disclosed. For additional information about special tabulations click here. To request a special tabulation, click here, write to the NASS Data Lab, Room 5907 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250, or contact a NASS field office (for the field office directory click here).

What is the history of the Census of Agriculture?

The first agriculture Census was taken in 1840 as part of the Sixth Decennial Census of Population. For 156 years (1840 – 1996) the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census was responsible for collecting data for the Census of Agriculture. In 1997, responsibility for conducting the Census of Agriculture transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The 2007 Census of Agriculture is the 27th Federal Census of Agriculture and the third conducted by NASS.