Census of Agriculture
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1 New ICR
Summary
The Census of Agriculture, conducted once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, producer characteristics, production practices, income, and expenditures. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land – whether rural or urban – count if $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.
| Agency | USDA, NASS |
|---|---|
| Data Checkup |
Historical Data Availability
No Known Issue
Future Data Availability
No Known Issue
Data Quality
No Known Issue
Statutory Context
No Known Issue
This agricultural census is required by law under the “Census of Agriculture Act of 1997,” Pub. L. No. 105-113 (7 U.S.C. 2204g). This law directs the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to conduct the census of agriculture every fifth year.
Staffing and Funding
High Risk
From FY2024 to FY2026, USDA has lost more than 24,000 staff (~25%). Both the FY2027 President's Budget request and the House Appropriations budget proposal for USDA include funding reductions, with proposed decreases of 19% and 1.4%, respectively.
Policy
No Known Issue
Last updated: 2026-06-22
Details
| OMB Control Number | 0535-0226 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorizing Statutes | 7 USC 2204(a), 18 USC 1905, 7 USC 3601.1, Pub.L. 115 - 435 301, 7 USC 2276, Pub.L. 104 - 13 3501, 7 USC 2204(g) | |||
| Related ICRs |
| Reference Number | Title | Agency | Status | Request Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202605-0535-002 | New 2027 Census of Agriculture | USDA/NASS | Received in OIRA | Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection |