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USDA to survey farm-produced energy

The most recent Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 farms and ranches in the United States that were producing energy. USDA wants to get a better handle on this growing industry with the first national On-Farm Energy Production Survey in May. The National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) will mail survey forms to farmers and ranchers nationwide who indicated on their 2007 Census of Agriculture that they were engaged in on-farm energy production. The survey will focus on the use of wind turbines, solar panels, anaerobic digesters and other methods of energy production.

Bob Battaglia, Wisconsin Field Office Director for NASS says the results will provide producers, policymakers and the public with factual data about the economic and environmental implications of on-farm energy production and demonstrate the steps farmers are taking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Responses will be due back to NASS by May 24th. Survey results will be published in February of 2011.