The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss an opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America.

The deadline to take part in the 2012 Census of Agriculture is May 31. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed census forms.

"For every 158 people in America, there is one farm," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I urge you to take action today and respond to the census — your country is counting on the information to help ensure a continued supply of food, fiber and fuel for generations to come."

Conducted every five years, the Census of Agriculture looks at farms, land values, market values of agricultural production, farm practices, expenditures and other factors.

"Only you can continue to provide the facts straight from the farm,’’ Vilsack said.

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service may contact producers by phone or in person to collect census information since time is running out.

Farmers and ranchers also can return their forms by mail or online by visiting agcensus.usda.gov.

Federal law requires a response from everyone who receives the census form and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

For more information, visit the website, or call 1-888-424-7828.