The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas.

This picture, when compared to earlier censuses, helps to measure trends and new developments in the agricultural sector of the nation's economy.

NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals.

The privacy of individual census records is also protected from disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act.

Census data is used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities – federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others.