As most of you know, I am planning to retire after 31 years of Extension work this coming December 31st. I do want to thank all who attended to wish me good luck in my retirement. In a too short of a period of time, I visited with people who I have worked with through out my career here in Washington County. I had a great deal of enjoyment seeing people many of which I have not talked with for some time. I also appreciated all of the cards and letters as well as gifts that I have and continue to receive. Mayor Jim Realph presented me the keys to the city of Blair and proclaimed November 20th as Jim Peterson day. The keys do not unlock anything but I very much appreciate the honor. Thank you Mayor. Thank all of you for your kindness not only at the party but throughout the years. It has been a pleasure.
My special thanks go out to both the Washington County 4-H Council and Extension Board for assisting in the preparation for the party. The 4-H Council went out of its way to provide me with some wonderful cards, and a beautiful garden ornament that I will use in my garden. I also want to thank the staff members of the Extension Office for all of the work that they did in getting ready for the festivities. Becky Versch, the Family and Consumer Science Educator here in Washington County, went beyond the call of duty to prepare and complete the program. However, she was ably assisted by Debbie Saville, Mary Snow, Pam Ashley, and Steve Landon of the Extension staff. I thank all of them for their kindness and certainly will miss them in my retirement.
At the time of this writing I still have over 35 days left, so should not get too sentimental about this upcoming retirement. I did receive an e-mail just recently regarding the 2007 Census of Agriculture. I encourage all farmers to participate in this Census. This Census is taken every five years and is a complete count of U.S. farms and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas.
Individual information provided by respondents will be kept confidential which is guaranteed by law. Information can only be used for statistical purposes and published data will only be in tabulated totals. The report cannot be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation. The privacy of individual Census records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.
Report forms for the 2007 Census will be mailed to farm and ranch operators on December 28, 2007 to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the option of filling out the Census online via a secure web site.
The Census provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American Agriculture for years to come. I know that I have used the Census in the past for programs that I have done regarding agriculture in Washington County. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities, and all of U.S. Agriculture.
Census data will be released in both electronic and print formats beginning in February 2009. Detailed reports will be published for all counties, states and the nation
I particularly encourage smaller farms that often feel left out of the process to complete the Census. It is the responsibility and the law for every farmer and rancher. regardless of size or type of operation. to complete the Census. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold during the Census year. Smaller farmers often do not complete the Census and consequently are left out when decisions are made affecting their livelihood. Lets not let that happen this year. Participate!!
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