Census of Agriculture and USDA Role

The Importance of the Census of Agriculture

• The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years to gather information about American agriculture
• The goal of the Census is to inform policies and allocate funding for agricultural programs
• The Census tracks income and costs of production, demographics of producers, and historical agricultural trends
• The Census also gathers information on assets needed to support agricultural production, uncommon crops and livestock, and new agricultural technologies
• It provides data on production locations to help agribusiness locate near production areas
• The Census also helps plan for emergencies such as droughts, disease outbreaks, and pest infestations
• It analyzes the state of food, fuel, and fiber production in the United States, and forecasts energy needs for agricultural producers and their communities

The Role of the USDA in Food Production and Conservation

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary agency responsible for food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues.
• The USDA consists of 29 agencies and offices, with nearly 100,000 employees serving across the country and abroad.
• The USDA's Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) division is a focal point for farmers and ranchers, stewards of private agricultural lands, and non-industrial private forest lands.

Texas Agriculture Overview

• Texas is the leading producer of hay in the USA.
• Texas is home to a significant number of livestock operations, including cattle, goats, and sheep.
• Texas also boasts a thriving poultry and dairy industries.
• The value of cotton, hay, and corn crops in Texas are the highest among crops grown in the state.

The Dairy Industry in the United States

• Dairy cows produce an average of 6.3 gallons of milk every day.
• Dairy cows consume about 100 pounds of food and 50 gallons of water each day.
• Milk production in the United States totals approximately 21 billion gallons annually.
• The average American consumes about 25 gallons of milk annually.
• The milk industry continues to develop new dairy products, with over 1,000 new products introduced every year.

Corn as a Food Source

• Corn, also known as maize, is a human invention that did not exist naturally in the wild.
• Corn was first cultivated in central Mexico at least 7,000 years ago from a wild grass called teosinte.
• Corn spread throughout North and South America by various indigenous peoples.
• Corn is a major food source for many individuals and is a valuable ingredient in many food products.

Hay Production in Texas

• Texas is the leading producer of hay in the United States, followed by Missouri, Nebraska, Montana, and Kansas.
• Hay is a fundamental part of the diet of all grazing animals and can provide up to 100% of their necessary food source.

Explore the significance of the Census of Agriculture conducted every five years. Understand how it helps shape agricultural policies, informs funding allocation, and supports the USDA's efforts in food production and conservation. This quiz highlights key aspects of agricultural trends, demographics, and emergency planning.