02 September 2022
This November, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin mailing the 2022 Census of Agriculture to all known agricultural producers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to collect information about their farms and ranches. America and the people who operate them. The ag census, conducted every five years, remains the only source of comprehensive and unbiased agricultural data for every US state, county and territory.
By responding, producers have a voice in the decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture. Decision makers at the federal and local levels use census data to make decisions about farm programs and services, policy, disaster relief, research, technology development, education, community planning, agribusiness organization, and more. . Manufacturers often use data when making decisions about marketing and production practices.
The ag census shows the value of US agriculture and tracks trends over time. For example, the 2017 Census of Agriculture found that new and beginning producers (those who have worked for 10 years or less) grew by 17%, although the increase occurred among producers with less than five years on their current farm. The number of young producers (35 years and older) increased by 11%. The 2022 ag census data will provide an overview of agriculture today, including data on producers by race, ethnicity and gender. For example, farms operated by women increased 23% from the 2012 ag census. The number of Hispanic producers increased 13% from 2012 to 2017, Asian and black producers increased 5%, and American Indian/ Alaska Natives grew by 10%.
New data themes in the 2022 Census of Agriculture reflect some of the trends and changes in US agriculture. Look for new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production and sheep hair.
Every answer counts. Help NASS spread the word. To learn more about the 2022 Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. Follow NASS on Twitter @usda_nass for the latest information. Data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture will be released in early 2024.
