HARRISBURG — Russell Redding, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, recently urged farmers and growers to complete the 2017 Agriculture Census.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the census deadline through spring.

Every five years, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a nationwide count of those who earn at least $1,000 per year growing food and other crops. The data informs funding decisions, as well as food and agriculture policies and programs for the entire country, according to state officials.

“Participating in the census is the best way for farmers to help to shape policies and decisions that affect their livelihoods and communities,” Redding said. “Farm policy, disaster relief, insurance, loans, and agribusiness are all affected by census data. Stand up and be counted, so that the numbers accurately reflect our industry.”

Census questionnaires were mailed to farmers, ranchers, and growers in December 2017 and requires about 50 minutes to complete. Farmers can also complete an online form at www.agcensus.usda.gov. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktops, laptops and mobile devices.

Under federal law, everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire must submit a response, even if they are not currently farming.

Several 2017 census questions gather new information, including the number of farmers who are military veterans or who are actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard.

Other new questions explore food marketing practices, comparing direct sales to consumers versus sales through retailers.