With spring and planting season on the horizon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is alerting farmers and ranchers of their final chance to sow a seed for their future by being counted in the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

The 2012 Census will provide a vital snapshot of agriculture today that will be used to shape the future of the agriculture industry, rural America, and the lives of those USDA serves for years to come. This week, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin mailing a final copy of the 2012 Census of Agriculture to producers who have not yet responded. NASS is committed to ensuring that every farm and ranch operation in the United States is counted. Therefore, NASS representatives will make follow up telephone calls and personal visits throughout the spring to those who have not responded.

Farmers and ranchers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires a response from everyone who receives the Census form and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.