Agriculture census reports due; used for statistical purposes

Forms for the 26th Census of Agriculture are to be completed and back in the mail by Monday.

These forms were sent out to all farmers of record during December 2002.

This census is conducted every five years by the Agriculture Statistics Service and is the nation's largest agricultural information gathering project. It was first conducted in 1840 as part of the population census.

This year's report will collect data for the crop year 2002.

Any person who did or could produce at least $1,000 in agricultural products during the year 2002 is considered a "farmer" for census purposes.

Census data is used by various farm organizations, agricultural businesses, farmers and ranchers, Extension agents and universities, rural electric coops, state departments of agriculture, elected state and county officials and the general public.

Farmers and ranchers are guaranteed by law that their individual information will be kept confidential.

The information is used only for statistical purposes.

Residents can call (888) 424-7828 for more information or a local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center: Scott County (573) 545-3593, Cape Girardeau County 243-1467 or Marble Hill (573) 238-2671.