Original Cover Letter

United States
Department
of Agriculture

May 3, 2010

Dear Agricultural Producer:
National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting its first-ever, national survey of energy
production on America’s farms and ranches. The 2009 On-Farm Energy Production Survey is
your opportunity to ensure that America’s agricultural producers receive recognition for the
environmental benefits they provide and for their commitment to preserving the land on
which their livelihood depends.
The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 farm and ranch operations that
were producing energy. In this follow-up survey, we are gathering additional information
about these practices, including the use of wind turbines, solar panels, anaerobic digesters and
other alternative energy sources.
For your convenience, you can complete the survey via the Internet, using our secure Webbased response system at www.agcensus.usda.gov. Responding online will not only save you
time, but will save the government money on return postage and data entry. You can refer to
the back of this letter for instructions on how to complete your survey online.
Please be assured that federal law (Title 7, U.S. Code) protects the confidentiality of your
individual responses. The information you provide will be published only in tabulated totals
and will not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation.
Whether you choose to complete the survey online or by mail, your response is required by
May 24, 2010. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (888) 424-7828.
Thank you in advance for your support and participation.
Sincerely,

Cynthia Clark
Administrator
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Enclosures