Pre - Survey Letter

United States
Department
of Agriculture

National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service

05-A01(L1A)
December 30, 2005

Dear Farmer or Rancher:
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is testing the 2007 Census of
Agriculture report form, and we need your help. We are asking a group of 30,000 farmers
and ranchers across the United States to participate in a critical trial run before the next
census of agriculture. Your timely response helps save costs and provides valuable
information for developing the final census form. The enclosed report form is a draft and
will be modified based on the results of this trial.
The 2007 Census will collect important information about farm and ranch operators in the
U.S., including active spouses and partners, the use of various production practices,
commodities produced and expenses, and other items needed at the local level.
Agribusinesses use census results to assess the needs of producers in your community.
Farm organizations, trade associations, and local, State, and Federal agencies use the
information to evaluate and propose programs that support America’s farmers and ranchers.
The census of agriculture is required by law (Title 7, U.S. Code), but we are asking for your
voluntary participation in this trial run. As with all information collected by NASS, Federal
law requires that your individual answers are kept confidential.
Please help us make the census a success by completing the enclosed report form and
returning it by February 1, 2006. If you need guidance or have questions, call 1-888-4247828. Please have your 11-digit ID number handy (printed on the address label of your
report form) if you call.
Thank you for taking part in this effort to improve the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
Sincerely,

R. Ronald Bosecker
Administrator
Enclosures