Ag Mag | the agriculture newsletter
WELCOME On behalf of my co-Director of the ABS Agriculture program, David Brereton, I would like to welcome you to the first edition of Ag Mag, the agriculture newsletter. This edition, being the first, will explain our role, introduce the team leaders and familiarise you with our collections and outputs. As well, readers will be updated on recent achievements and the progress of our current projects.

At this point, it is probably appropriate that I comment on the recent success of this program's largest ever project. It is a good opportunity to thank data providers and support areas (both ABS and outside agencies) whose participation in the 2005-06 Agricultural Census - the ABS' second biggest collection outside the Population and Housing Census - contributed to such a successful outcome.

The results of the 2005-06 Agricultural Census, that began rolling out in May 2007, are providing decision makers and researchers with the data necessary to identify changes in the agricultural industry. In March 2008, eagerly awaited final estimates for the major agricultural outputs and activities will be available by shire and other geographic regions (e.g. riverbasin).

Following on from the Agricultural Census - a major exercise only run every 5th year - the smaller 2006-07 Agricultural Survey (35,000 participants) is in the early stages of processing. More details on both these collections can be seen below along with information on the other important collections conducted by the program.

Preparations are also in train for the 2007-08 Agricultural Survey. Discussions have been held with many of the key users to assist the ABS staff understand future policy and data requirements. Further meetings are planned which will help finalise form content and determine the collection frequency of special items/topics.

If you have queries with any material in this newsletter, wish to provide any feedback on these collections or raise any issues regarding agricultural statistics in general, I would be happy to hear from you.


Allan Nicholls
Director
Agriculture Statistics (National Statistics Centre)

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