Census affects national decisions on farming

Every five years, a stack of papers is sent to houses across the country asking farmers and ranchers numerous financial and production questions.

While the paperwork can seem like a tedious job that weighs on those who receive it, the information can affect all those involved years later.

The Census of Agriculture is a count of farms and ranches and the people that operate them, according to the Department of Agriculture Web site.

The census is sent out to those that own or operate a farm or ranch, which the census defines as a place that has $1,000 or more of agricultural products produced or sold, or would have normally been sold, during the census year, according to the USDA Web site.

Eldon Thiessen, director of Kansas Agricultural Statistics, said the information gathered is the only source of comprehensive county data about agriculture.

"The important reason for responding is the benefit from having that kind of data available in an unbiased kind of data set so that everyone can use it," he said.

Thiessen said the census asks questions related to the production activity of a farm for the year, the crop production, expenses and value of the sales.

"It's really quite comprehensive," he said. "It also asks about demographics. It's amazing how many people want to know the answer to those questions."

Rick Snell, K-State county extension agent, said the census data is largely used to help organizations make decisions. He also said many legislators review the data to help make policies and analyze trends.

According to the USDA Web site, federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses and trade associations also use the census data.