The deadline to return the US Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture is February 5. The questionnaire was mailed to every producer in the country by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service as part of a regular five-year data collection cycle.

While the form can be returned by mailed by the deadline, ag producers have the option to complete the survey online at https://www.agcounts.usda.gov/cawi. A code from the mailed survey is required in order to submit survey information electronically.

According to the USDA, survey information helps identify changes and trends in agriculture, and is used to develop ag policies as well as in disaster relief decisions.

Every producer has been asked to complete and return the survey, even if they are no longer active in the business. Those who are no longer in agribusiness will only need to answer a few of the questions.

Once the February 5 deadline has passed, follow up mail, e-mail and phone calls can be expected for those who have not returned the survey.

NASS is required by law to keep all survey information confidential. Individual producers or farm operations cannot be identified from data that will be published.

Producers needing more information can call 800-727-9540 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.