Location: Chimacum Grange, 9572 Rhody Drive

7-8:30pm

Hosted by WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program and Chimacum Grange. 
Chris Mertz, staff from the USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS), will be presenting the new 2017 Ag Census Data for Jefferson County and providing interpretation. You can view the latest USDA Ag Census Data here. Those interested in local food systems, farmers, community members, stakeholders and ag/landowner service providers should attend for this very informative presentation. Question/answer and discussion to follow.

What is the Ag Census and what does it tell us?

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 – growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity.

Presentation Topics:

• Census data collection – National, State and County-level data
• Farms and Ranches in Jefferson County – Number of farms and land, Acreage of farms
• Economics – Total value of agricultural production, crop and livestock sales, farm income
• Demographics of Farm Producers – Average age of producers, young producers, new/beginning farmers, veteran farmers, farm and producer characteristics
• Upcoming Census releases