Data Matters Feb 24, 2021

Inside the Census of Agriculture Blog Series

About this blog series

Join USDA’s National 

Agricultural Statistics 

Service (NASS) for a closer 

look at the research and 

methods used in the Census 

of Agriculture in a new blog 

series, Data Matters. 

You will get a behind-thescenes look at the science 

behind the collection of 

agricultural data.

This blog was originally 

posted on the USDA 

website under Media.

Today’s farmer depends on quality data to grow. NASS knows many ag producers conduct business on the 

go. The fast, secure, online questionnaire will meet producers wherever they are located.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Preparing for the 2022 Census of 

Agriculture

By Adam Cline, Supervisory Statistician, NASS Census & Survey Division in Research 

and Science

Preparation for a large survey does not happen overnight, in a few weeks, or 

even a year. When it comes to USDA’s flagship data collection effort, the 

Census of Agriculture, this is especially true. USDA’s National Agricultural 

Statistics Service (NASS) started preparing for the 2022 Census of Agriculture 

in 2018, when NASS was collecting data for the 2017 Ag Census. NASS’s 

census, research, and methodology divisions immediately began evaluating 

content, design, and delivery of the census questionnaire and associated 

materials for possible improvement. This is the regular cycle of the vital, onceevery-five-year Census of Agriculture.

Continued on next page...
Data Matters Blog 1

...Preparing for the 2022 Census of Agriculture continued

Over the last two months, 36,000 

producers received the 2022 Census of 

Agriculture Content Test. This sample of 

producers represents many U.S. 

agriculture segments. When using a 

sample to represent a population in 

statistics, every response matters. 

Respondents in this Content Test 

represent not only their own operations, 

but the operations of hundreds of farmers 

and ranchers like them. 

There are several tests running concurrently through spring, addressing specific producer requests, 

technological trends, and more. At the request of U.S. farmers and ranchers, NASS is testing the 

inclusion of previously reported NASS data in the online questionnaire. The test will ensure continued 

accuracy and security before going live in the census or other NASS surveys. If the test is successful, the 

inclusion of the data could save producers even more time when responding online.

The mode, or way, NASS collects data is being tested as well. This Content Test includes a completely 

new mailer – the shortest NASS has ever developed with just a handful of screening questions. It will 

literally take those who receive it a minute or two to complete. The mailer will help determine if 

operations meet the definition of a farm, which will increase the accuracy of our sample list for future 

surveys and ensure a complete count for the upcoming census. Depending on test results, NASS may 

adopt the new mailer for future use to increase efficiency for producers.

There are several other tests being conducted, including the testing of commodity questions that may be 

included in the 2022 Census of Agriculture for the first time, such as hemp. NASS will consider all data 

collection test results for incorporation into the upcoming census. In accordance with federal law, NASS 

keeps all responses confidential and uses them for statistical purposes only. If you or someone you know 

needs assistance completing the Content Test survey, call 888-424-7828. Completing the Content Test is 

your voice, your opportunity to make a difference for all U.S. producers responding to future NASS 

surveys and censuses.

KEY DATES

2022 Census of Agriculture

Sign Up To Be Counted March 2021 – June 2022

Data Collection Begins December 19, 2022

Surveys Due February 2023

Data Release February 22, 2024