The 2022 Census of Agriculture data has been released, and Associate Farm Editor, Reagan Calk, had the chance to talk with USDA’s Troy Marshall about the results and how that data compares to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
Marshall said one of the biggest highlights from the census was 10.4 percent decrease in farm numbers compared to 2017.
“Every farm is important, not only here in Oklahoma, but across the country,” Marshall said. “We did see a little bit of a decline in the actual land that is farmed, but that number of farms that we had was really one that was impacted.”
Even with less farms, Marshall said there was an increase in the value of marketed product, and a billion dollars more of agricultural product was produced in 2022 than 2017.
“We know that some of that is due to those higher prices, but we also experience a lot of higher input costs as well,” Marshall said.
The census saw an increase in the average age of agricultural producers, Marshall said, now at 57.7 years of age. Regarding internet usage on farms, Marshall said there was an increase in Oklahoma, showing that 78 percent of farmers have access to the internet.
Marshall said another big highlight of the census results was increased revenue from agritourism in Oklahoma.
“While we didn’t see an increase in the number of farms that are actually doing that (agritourism) from 2017 to 2022, we did see a significant increase in the amount of income that comes from that source,” Marshall said.
According to the data, agritourism income in Oklahoma is up 71 percent from 2017.
“When we look at tillage practices, we saw some increases in those that are adopting no-till practices, and then also the number of acres that is being put towards cover crops, so those conservation practices that we have kind of talked about or seen from some of our sister agencies with USDA or some of the state specific ones in Oklahoma,” Marshall said. “Those efforts have seen improvements based off of those acres out of the data we were able to collect in 2022.”
Marshall gave a thanks to producers who took the time to fill out the census, as the data will be used for the next five years to positively impact the agricultural industry and showcase the great things happening in Oklahoma.
“Whether that is in Washington, D.C., trying to decide on funding levels or new programs, or it could be here in Oklahoma City as we look across the state for some things we need to emphasize on or defend, or it could be in a local area,” Marshall said. “We have seen data be requested in local counties, being able to defend that ag community and what they are doing and show the economic impact they have.”
To view a statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about the 2022 Ag Census, CLICK HERE.
View the full data release below:
