Once every five years, farmers get a chance to be counted through the national Census of Agriculture. As more and more people leave the farm and choose to do something different, the census proves to be an important tool to account for this ever-shrinking population.

The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation to complete. For census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.

If you own horses, backyard chickens or large urban gardens, you may qualify as a farmer.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is continuing to remind producers to complete forms for the Census of Agriculture, the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation.

The census, Vilsack said, is one of the most important tools for providing certainty to producers and sustaining the unlimited economic potential of rural America. The 2012 census will provide U.S. Department of Agriculture with current information to help ensure an abundant, safe and accessible food supply.

“It’s important for farmers and ranchers in America today to stand up and be counted by participating in the Census of Agriculture,” said Vilsack in an address at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. “By participating in this survey, producers help provide a snapshot of the current state of agriculture in our country, which helps policymakers make better decisions about farm safety net programs and policies.”

Currently under way and conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the census collects detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture. It looks at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business and succeed in the 21st century.

Census information helps USDA monitor trends and understand the needs in agriculture to better align its products and services. USDA has used census data in the past to develop programs and priorities to help new and beginning farmers get started and stay in business, and to look at where and how to provide expanded and improved Internet access and services to rural America.

Completed census forms are due by Feb. 4. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website.

Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential. More information about the census can be obtained online or by calling 888-424-7828.

Michael Wheeler is county extension coordinator for the UGA Cooperative Extension in Hall County. You can contact him at 770-535-8293, www.hallcounty.org/extension. His column appears biweekly on Thursday’s Business page and at gainesvilletimes.com.