Slide1: Insert event name Insert Location Insert Date (Delete 2 of the 3 “What’s Next” slides at the end) This presentation was created by Marc Tosiano, Director of the PA Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.


What is the Census of Agriculture?: What is the Census of Agriculture? A measure of American agriculture every 5 years to provide County, State and National totals Zip code & Congressional summaries Possible new summaries for 2007 include watershed and state legislative districts Part of the 5-year measure of all businesses in the U.S. economy


Who is measured by the Ag Census?: Who is measured by the Ag Census? Large, commercial operations Medium size and small operations Part-time, retirement, lifestyle farms Anyone with $1,000 or more of agricultural value Ag products sold Value of animals on hand but not sold Grain Stored on farms Government payments


Why are such small farms included in the Ag Census?: Why are such small farms included in the Ag Census? On the next slide, look at the farms grossing less than $10,000. They comprise almost 61% of all farms They control almost 35% of all land in farms


PA Farms, Land and Sales, 2002 by Market Value of Ag Products Sold: PA Farms, Land and Sales, 2002 by Market Value of Ag Products Sold 58,105 farms ( with sales or potential sales of $1,000+ in 2002 ) 2002 Census of Agriculture


What is measured by the Ag Census? An example follows: What is measured by the Ag Census? An example follows Land Use Crops/Plant acreage and production for 2007 Livestock & Poultry Production during the year Animal inventories as of December 31, 2007 Operator characteristics Age, men/women, minorities, full-time vs. part-time growers Profitability expenses vs income Ag Practices Conservation, grazing, organic, energy production, etc


Land in Farms, acres: Land in Farms, acres PA – 2002 7.745 million acres on 58,105 farms 2 million acres are Hay Land On Farms 2002 Census of Agriculture


Why Participate?: Why Participate? The 2007 Census of Agriculture is… ”your voice, your future, your responsibility!” Economic & political decisions and regulations affect agriculture almost daily. Official statistics allow decisions to be made with facts instead of guesses and gut-feelings. They also allow you or ag organizations define or defend your industry with the facts.


Slide9: 2002 Percent of Principal Operator’s Total Household Income from Farming 2002 Census of Agriculture For example, many are surprised to learn that :


Slide10: Accurate information is YOUR VOICE in local and county agricultural issues. Local officials can affect YOUR FUTURE in agriculture; let’s give them the facts about agriculture in your county. Let’s not miss this chance for a good picture of agriculture in your county. It’s up to you; it’s YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. COUNTY summaries are a CRITICAL resource; they are only available once every 5 years from the Ag Census.


Slide11: <$10,000 $10,000+ 58,105 Farms in 2002, Larger Circle=more farms 2002 Census of Agriculture


Who uses these ag statistics and how?: Growers Business plans Marketing & planting decisions Associations Lobby on grower’s behalf Promote the industry – education & media Penn State Extension education in YOUR county Extension Funding Research grants & economic analysis Who uses these ag statistics and how?


Slide13: Ag Services & Suppliers Determine where services are needed Plan for transportation needs Lenders & Banks Evaluate ag loan applications Serve ag customers Cooperatives Production & marketing decisions USDA, Risk Management Agency Evaluate ag insurance proposals Administer implemented insurance plans


Slide14: USDA, Farm Service Agency Administer farm program payments Administer disaster payments USDA Service Center Locations Legislatures Develop local and national farm policy U.S. Farm Bill, every five years Develop state & federal disaster programs State laws and regulations Pa. Dept. of Agriculture Influence crop insurance policies Agricultural Education Impact of policies on growers


Slide15: Your Voice Your Future Your Responsibility www.agcensus.usda.gov


Your Voice: Your Voice Feel under-represented or not represented at all? This is your opportunity to be heard! Together, you have the power to influence key decisions about agriculture.


Your Future: Census reports indirectly affect you by providing accurate information to those that provide you with services, programs or extension education. Your Future Some growers use the information directly for their own business planning, loan applications, or giving local policy makers the facts about agriculture.


Your Responsibility: Your Responsibility Accurate and prompt completion and return of the Ag Census form Census information can impact your neighbors or your community. Response is required by law.


Confidentiality is the Law: Confidentiality is the Law Your name, address & individual farm data are all confidential to NASS; this information cannot be shared with any other USDA or government agencies Data is published in a way so no individual farm data is revealed Exemption from requests under the federal Freedom if Information Act and state Right to Know Act.


What’s Next ?Use this slide through 12/31/07: What’s Next ? Use this slide through 12/31/07 Look for 2007 Census of Agriculture around New Year’s Day. Call 1-888-4AG-STAT or 1-888-424-7828 if a Census form is not received by January 10. Respond accurately and promptly. Visit www.agcensus.usda.gov for more information.


What’s Next ? Use this slide 1/1/08 – 2/4/08: What’s Next ? Use this slide 1/1/08 – 2/4/08 Complete and send in the Ag Census form by February 4 ! Need a Census form or have questions? call 1-888-4AG-STAT or 1-888-424-7828 or Visit www.agcensus.usda.gov You may have done it already Thank You !!


What’s Next ? Use this slide 2/4/08 – 5/1/08: What’s Next ? Use this slide 2/4/08 – 5/1/08 It’s not too late to be counted; send in your completed Ag Census form right away! Need a Census form or have questions? call 1-888-4AG-STAT or 1-888-424-7828 or Visit www.agcensus.usda.gov You may have done it already Thank You !!


Slide23: What you do is important. Help make a difference! www.agcensus.usda.gov Thank You for Your Attention