Make sure you’re counted in the upcoming 2022 Census of Agriculture. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed online ag census survey codes to U.S. farmers and ranchers in November so they could respond securely online. Hard-copy mail-in census questionnaires will follow in December and must be completed by February 2023.

The census, taken once every five years, is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation. It is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land count — whether rural or urban — if $1,000 or more of fruit, vegetables or food animals was raised on the land and sold, or normally would have been sold, during 2022.

The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. The results are used by those who serve farmers and rural communities, such as federal, state and local governments; agribusinesses, co-ops and trade associations; legislators; and community planners.

Completed forms are due by Feb. 6, 2023. They can be completed online or returned by mail.

NASS will release new Census of Agriculture data in 2024.