Got my USDA Census form today

[JD 4520]

Wow, this is a big form to fill out - all 24 pages of it. Do you all fill it out completely or accurately or what? Kind of wing it?

 

[smstonypoint]

I filled out my form yesterday. It didn't take me more than 20 minutes or so, but I have only timber. I have yet to compile my expenses (herbicides, fuel, etc.) for 2012, so I had to make educated guesses on those items. The balance of the questions didn't require any guesswork on my part.

Steve

 

[randy41]

i always feel like the form is designed to survey folks with very large operations and that my little farm doesn't really mean much in the overall census. i don't fill it out like its my tax return.

 

[forgeblast]

I agree randy, I have to fill it out due to our enrollment in a crep program (we have 1.3 acres enrolled). I did it online it took a bit time less since the form explains itself a bit more online.

 

[SLHawkins]

I too filled my out online. It took about 20 minutes. My operation small as well, so I do not pull out the reciepts for the year in order toget down to exact dollar amount. I can guesstimate fuel usage and repairs.

 

[houstonscott]

Dept of Agriculture Orders Submachine Guns with 30 Round Magazines

Any idea why they need sub machine guns?

HS

 

[blueriver]

Dept of Agriculture Orders Submachine Guns with 30 Round Magazines Any idea why they need sub machine guns? HS

For the ones who don't fill it out !!

 

[smstonypoint]

Any idea why they need sub machine guns?

HS

My guess would be for use by the Wildlife Services division of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS).

USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage

Steve

 

[houstonscott]

My guess would be for use by the Wildlife Services division of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS). USDA APHIS | Wildlife Damage Steve

So you think they are getting ready to shoot unwanted species with sub machine guns? HS

 

[smstonypoint]

So you think they are getting ready to shoot unwanted species with sub machine guns? HS

No, but I can see the guns being used for personal protection against predators/rabid animals, etc. by WS personnel when they are doing field work.

Steve

 

[houstonscott]

No, but I can see the guns being used for personal protection against predators/rabid animals, etc. by WS personnel when they are doing field work. Steve

Wow, maybe I need on if that's the issue. HS

 

[smstonypoint]

Another (and better) guess would be for use by the law enforcement personnel of the USDA's Forest Service.

Working for Law Enforcement - LEI | USDA Forest Service

Uniformed Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) enforce Federal laws and regulations governing National Forest Lands and resources. As part of that mission LEOs carry firearms, defensive equipment, make arrests, execute search warrants, complete reports and testify in court.

Special Agents are criminal investigators who plan and conduct investigations concerning possible violations of criminal and administrative provisions of the Forest Service and other statues under the U.S. Code. Special agents are normally plain clothes officers who carry concealed firearms, and other defensive equipment, make arrests, carry out complex criminal investigations, present cases for prosecution to U.S. Attorneys, and prepare investigative reports.

The basic mission of Law Enforcement and Investigations (LE&I) is public and employee safety, resource protection, enforcement of U.S. Criminal Law, and to provide enforcement expertise to other agency managers. The National Forest System Drug Control Act of 1986, as amended in 1988, and Title 16 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), provides authorization to the Forest Service (FS) for law enforcement activities relating to the Controlled Substance Act and Title 21 U.S.C. Subsequently, officers of the FS are charged with performing drug enforcement duties on National Forest System (NFS) lands or in areas with a nexus to NFS lands.

What We Do - LEI | USDA Forest Service

Steve

 

[houstonscott]

Dept. of Agriculture Orders Ballistic Body Armor

Now this? Wonder what the threat is? Are you guys hassling your USDA reps? HS