By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

Taking part in the 2007 Census of Agriculture is your opportunity to be heard. By accurately filling out your Census form you are helping tell America about the value of Michigan’s $60.1 billion and growing agriculture industry.

In order for the Census to be successful, we need to make sure that every grower in Michigan is counted. The 2007 Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every Michigan farmer and agriculture business operator, regardless of the size or type of operation.

Michigan producers and agriculture business operators have the power to influence economic developments and impact local, state, and national decision-making by providing the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in our state. The Census, taken every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures and many other areas. The data is used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities - federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and many others.

Currently, Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making our state second only to California in agricultural diversity. The state leads the nation in the production of 19 commodities, including tart cherries, blueberries, three kinds of dry beans (black, cranberry, and small red), 13 floriculture products (including flowering hang baskets, geraniums, petunias, and impatiens), and cucumbers for pickles. Michigan also ranks in the top 10 for 30 other commodities.

Michigan has about 10.1 million acres of farmland and is home to 53,200 farms averaging 190 acres each. More than 35 percent of the state’s total farmland is in some form of preservation agreement.

Report forms for the 2007 Census of Agriculture will be mailed to farm and agricultural business operators on December 28, 2007. You should receive your 2007 Census of Agriculture report form in early January 2008. Please submit your completed form no later than February 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the option of filling out the Census online via a secure Web site.

This is your opportunity to provide a voice for Michigan agriculture and have a positive influence on your future and the future of our industry. For more information about the Census of Agriculture, or if you are involved in agriculture and did not receive a report form by January 10, 2008, please call toll free 888-4AG-STAT or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.