All Canadian farm operators will receive a letter at the beginning of May with instructions on how to complete the questionnaire online.
It automatically will add totals and skip sections that do not apply to the operator’s farm.
As a result, completing the questionnaire online will be faster and easier, and also reduce the need to call back farm operators in order to clarify answers.
On average, farmers should spend 30 percent less time responding to the 2016 Census of Agriculture than they did responding to the previous one in 2011.
The Census of Agriculture staff consults after every census with farmers, agricultural industry members, and data users for the purpose of assessing data needs.
Statistics Canada received more than 200 content submissions from diverse groups, including federal government departments and agencies, provincial ministries, farming organizations, academics, farm service companies, and consulting firms.
Statistics Canada is grateful to the agricultural industry for its ongoing feedback and support.
As a result of these consultations, new questions on the adoption of technologies, direct marketing, succession planning, and renewable energy production were added to reflect demand for this new information.
Some questions also were removed, such as detailed expense information, operator place of residence, details on irrigated land, and the source and use of manure.
Most of the questions for 2016 are identical to those used in 2011. This continuity is important when it comes to tracking long-term trends in the industry, as well as meeting the ongoing needs of users and stakeholders.
Overall, the 2016 questionnaire has 18 fewer questions than it did in 2011.
By law, farmers are required to participate in the Census of Agriculture. By the same law, Statistics Canada is required to protect the information provided in Census of Agriculture questionnaires.
Privacy is a fundamental component of the census.
At the beginning of May, complete your questionnaire and tell your story as part of Canada’s farming community.
Dates to remember
The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture is holding an information meeting tomorrow (April 14) for area farmers who have employees with Farm Safety/WSIB.
This is open to all producers who hire employees, family members, or their own children.
Rules are slightly different for farmers but producers need to be aware of them.
The session will run from 1-3 p.m. at the Emo Legion, and refreshments will be served.
Come and get important information regarding your responsibilities as an employer.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
