The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an extension to the deadline for farmers and ranchers nationwide to participate in the mandatory 2022 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years, this crucial census collects comprehensive data on food production, which is then used to generate statewide reports.
This decision comes after feedback from various stakeholders within the agriculture industry who expressed concerns about completing their submissions on time due to unforeseen challenges caused by weather conditions, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions amidst ongoing global events.
James P. Manning, a spokesperson for the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), detailed that this extension aims at ensuring accurate representation across all sectors within farming and ranching communities. "We understand the immense pressure our nation's farmers and ranchers are facing during these unprecedented times," said Manning. "By extending the deadline for participation in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, we hope to alleviate some stress while still gathering critical data necessary for informed policy decisions."
Cara Hatcher-Watkins, a fourth-generation farmer based in Iowa commented on her appreciation regarding this announcement: “I’m grateful that they’re giving us more time considering how much we’ve had on our plates lately with everything going on.”
Data collected through this census will be analyzed meticulously by agricultural experts before being published as publicly available information later next year. The resulting reports help guide essential policies related to agriculture subsidies and farm programs while also providing valuable insights into trends shaping rural America's economic landscape.
Industry professionals such as Dr. Emily Ackerstein-Roberts - Director of Agribusiness Research Institute - underscored just how vital these censuses are: “These surveys provide invaluable insights into current practices and areas where investments should be allocated towards sustainability initiatives or growth opportunities.” She added that it’s crucial not only for policymakers but also researchers like herself who rely on this data to understand the direction in which American agriculture is headed.
Farmers and ranchers who are yet to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture are strongly encouraged by the USDA to complete their submissions as soon as possible. With this extended deadline, it's hoped that these vital contributors will be able to provide comprehensive information necessary for a more accurate understanding of agricultural practices, challenges faced, and opportunities available within their respective sectors.
For those looking for additional information or assistance with their census submission process, resources can be found on the USDA NASS website or contacting local extension offices. Participants should take advantage of this extra time provided by the USDA to ensure they play an essential part in shaping future policies and initiatives promoting sustainable growth within America's agricultural landscape.