The state Department of Agriculture is hoping Wisconsin farmers will help out with an upcoming census. The survey of Wisconsin agriculture producers is conducted every five years and census papers should be arriving in the mail soon.
DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel is asking farmers to fill it out as completely and accurately as possible, since the census plays an important role in marketing Wisconsin ag products at home and abroad. It’s also key in formulating state and national policies that impact agricultural industries and markets.
AUDIO: Sec. Ben Brancel (:20)
Several statistics will come from the census, such as the number of farms in the state, gallons of milk produced, livestock numbers, and the types of vegetables grown. They even keep track of how many Christmas trees were harvested and the average age of a farmer.
The surveys are due February 4th and need to be completed by mail or online. Information collected by the Census is kept confidential. For more details about the Census of Agriculture, call toll-free 888-4AG-STAT or 888-424-7828.
Larry Lee, WSAU
