Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman commended the Kansas farmers and ranchers who have already returned their 2012 Census of Agriculture to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With the May 31 deadline to respond to the census nearing, he urged more Kansans to respond.

“Agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas. As we work to promote the industry, it is important that we base all decisions on reliable, accurate data,” Secretary Rodman said. “Whether it is our elected leaders in Washington influencing farm policy, agribusinesses interested in locating in Kansas, farmers and ranchers making production and management decisions or other industry stakeholders, it is important that we have up-to-date agricultural information. This is why I encourage all Kansas farmers and ranchers to make their voice heard with the census.”

The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years and is the primary source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. Information from the census is used by farmers and ranchers, policy makers, agribusinesses, local planners, local government and more to help grow agriculture and Kansas communities.

NASS recently mailed the final copy of the 2012 Census of Agriculture to farmers and ranchers who have not yet responded and will accept census information until May 31, 2013. Farmers and ranchers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. They can also call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). Federal law requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.