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BCSnob's avatar
BCSnob
Explorer
Dec 30, 2017

Christmas present from USDA

USDA sent us a Christmas present this year; 2017 Census of Agriculture. It is mandatory by law for any farm that grosses >$1000. The survey collects info collected in the normal censuses (demographics) plus info on IRS tax returns (salary, farm income, expenses) plus detailed info on farming practices (who makes day to day decisions, fertilizer used and amounts, pesticides, equipment owned including trucks, etc). We are even required to tell them the value of equipment our neighbor stores on our farm.

What a PIA
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2017
    Been filing that form for 25 years now. No biggie. Least they provide a paid return packet.
  • BCSnob's avatar
    BCSnob
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    Depends upon if the USDA is aware of your family farm. The usda knows about us because we are required by law to submit money to the us lamb board (think the sheep version of the us dairy board, aka “got milk”) after the direct sale of any sheep.
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2017
    Good luck. Hope it goes quickly. Won't tell you what my brother says 'USDA' stands for because the mods might delete it.
  • wannavolunteerF's avatar
    wannavolunteerF
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    BC Snob, does this include all farms. Just wondering if my mom should be getting a survey. Ours is small family owned and timber is only source of income (and hasn't been cut in enough years that it will likely need cutting in the next couple years)

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