Ag census goes on the road

This year, the ABS introduced an online form to help farmers complete their surveys quickly and efficiently for the Agricultural Census, which is conducted once every five years.

The Ag Census gathers and provides data on the production of key agricultural commodities and land management practices, while also collating information on natural resources.

The ABS originally set a deadline of July 7 for survey submissions but has since extended this to accommodate farmers who have issues completing the survey.

To help farmers, the ABS will be holding a series of Community Hubs in regional centres across Australia in July and August.

"While the completion date for farmers to provide information to the ABS was July 7, we understand some people need some extra support completing their form and we want to be on hand to provide that," says ABS Environment and Agriculture Statistics Program Manager, Lisa Wardlaw-Kelly.

"We encourage farmers to come along to the Community Hubs where ABS officers will be available to help them complete the Ag Census, which is so important to their industry," she says.

The information gathered in the Agricultural Census feeds into policy and planning by Commonwealth and state and territory governments, industry bodies, research organisations and the farming community.

"By getting online the farming community will be able to complete the Ag Census in a faster, easier, secure and environmentally friendly way," Wardlaw-Kelly says.

Farmers can seek help at the list of Community Hubs below:

July 11-12: Kojonup Lesser Hall Kojonup (WA)

July 14-15: Griffith Regional Theatre (NSW)

July 14-15: Sassafras Community Hall (Tas)

July 18-19: Murray Bridge Town Hall (SA)

July 25-26: Kerang Memorial Hall (Vic)

August 2-3: Mackay QCWA Hall (Qld)

August 2-3: Katherine Civic Centre (NT)

If there are no Community Hubs within travelling distance, farmers who need help with their online forms are urged to give the ABS a call on 1800 462 609.