Most Americans are aware of the U.S. Census through which the Census Bureau records the national population every decade. For our farming community, an equally critical national survey is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Census of Agriculture that is conducted every five years. The 2007 Census of Agriculture is currently underway until February 4, 2008 and the data collected will help promote America's farming community and its jobs.

As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I find the agriculture census especially helpful in shaping federal farm policy so that it is more responsive to our farmers, as well as building support among Members of Congress for continued agriculture funding. Like America itself, very few Members of Congress are engaged in farming and they need to be reminded of the significant contributions of our agriculture community. Therefore it is vital that every farmer's story be told.

In Alabama, agriculture remains our largest industry, employing nearly 476,000 workers. If you are a farmer, you should have already received your new agriculture census form. The 2007 forms were mailed nationwide December 28. When you receive your agriculture census, please fill it out and return it by February 4, 2008. Regardless of farm type or size, all farmers are required by law to complete them. This can be done by mail or on-line and all information is kept strictly confidential. The collected data is critical to USDA's mission of serving farmers by making solid decisions on the location of marketing and distribution facilities to assist farmers in selling their products.

The Census of Agriculture is also critical in raising awareness among business, state and local government, as well as colleges and universities, of the continued important role of agriculture in our economy. The agriculture census is the only source of comprehensive, detailed facts on agriculture for every county in the U.S. For census purposes, a farm is any place in which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would be sold, during the census year.

Many organizations and businesses which serve farmers and ranchers depend on the agriculture census data. Farm organizations use the census information to evaluate and propose policies and programs which help farmers. Agriculture-related businesses use census data to develop marketing strategies and determine locations of facilities that will serve producers. Farmers and ranchers use census results to spot trends, determine potential opportunities for their operations, and compare their business to local, state, and national averages. Rural electric companies use the census findings to forecast future energy and resource needs for producers and their communities. Extension agents and universities use census material to develop new and improved methods to increase agricultural production and profitability. There is no end to the usefulness of the agriculture census.

If you are a farmer and have not yet received the 2007 Census of Agriculture, please call 1-888-424-7828 to make sure you're counted. You can also visit www.agcensus.usda.gov for more information.