(Jourdanton) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is calling on farmers in Atascosa County to sign up for the 2012 Census of Agriculture to ensure they will be counted among their peers.

“This census is very important to agriculture,” said President Lloyd House County Farm Bureau president. “These numbers show what we’re producing in Atascosa County and across the state. It’s critical that farmers and ranchers be counted.”

The census provides uniform and comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the census, farmers and ranchers in Atascosa County can account for the value of agriculture and help influence the decisions that shape its future.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts the census every five years. The 2012 census is scheduled to be mailed out to farmers and ranchers in December.