Farmers across the U.S. will soon find the 2007 Census of Agriculture in their mailboxes. Conducted every five years by USDA, the census is a complete count of the nations farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production rates, income, expenses and other important topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation.

Forms are mailed on Dec. 28 to collect data from the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due back by Feb. 4, 2008. Producers can also complete the forms online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.