Calendar Click here for dates for 1999 4-H events. The population in Pennsylvania continues to increase. The new Census of Agriculture reveals that even the average age of farmers has increased in Pennsylvania from 51.1 years in 1987 to 52.2 years in 1992 to 52.7 years in 1997. Although some persons boast about their age, most are extremely sensitive about revealing their correct age, even on surveys. If you don't need to know the exact number of years, consider age categories.
Persons are more likely to give their correct age if it falls within a category.
Always include an age category higher than the persons you expect to find in your sample or program so that they do not have to circle the oldest answer category. Your data are likely to be more reliable and valid. For personal interviews, the Census Bureau has found that asking for year of birth leads to more accurate data. All new agents receive a copy of this when they attend Cooperative Extension Orientation, and so they are very familiar with it. However, we realized when we asked experienced agents to do some presentations at our last Cooperative Extension Orientation, they were not aware that there was a new version which included the new POW process.