While the Thanksgiving holiday serves as a chance for many Americans to reflect on what they have to be thankful for in their lives, it also serves as a reminder as to just how important agriculture is to the American economy and the American way of life. This reminder will hopefully encourage farmers to participate in the agricultural census, which will be mailed to farmers by the end of December.

The census, which will not be complete for about a year, helps everyone in the agricultural industry (from farmers planning an upcoming harvest to U.S. Department of Agriculture officials planning farm subsidy funding).

The federal government uses census information when preparing farm bills and debating farm policy, community planners and farm support agencies use the information to target support to local residents, farmers and ranchers use the information to plan for the future of their businesses, and companies that service the farm sector use the information to help plan the locations of future operations. Virtually no element of the agricultural industry is unaffected by the farm census.

The census offers the only comprehensive tool to look at changes in farming demographics, land use statistics, etc. As such, it is extremely important that farmers complete the form and participate in the census. Forms will be mailed out next month and are due by February 4.

To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmloans.com.

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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer