California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • Turlock Irrigation District General Manager Casey Hashimoto Retires

    Turlock Irrigation District (TID) General Manager Casey Hashimoto is retiring after 9 years of running the utility. He announced his intention to retire at the end of 2019 to the TID Board of Directors. Hashimoto’s tenure includes many accomplishments, including keeping electric rates among the lowest in California, improving reliability in the energy system, implementing new technologies, enhancing the water delivery system, all while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

    Hashimoto served a total of 34 years at the District, holding many titles including 10 years as the Assistant General Manager, Electrical Engineering. Throughout his career he participated with various utility industry organizations including the California Municipal Utilities Association, Northwest Public Power Pool, Association of California Water Agencies, and American Public Power Association among others.

    “Casey has provided TID impeccable leadership in his 9 years as general manager,” said Charlie Fernandes, TID Board President. “He navigated the District through difficult transitions in both the water and energy industries all while keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line. He will greatly be missed,” said Fernandes.

    Following Hashimoto’s retirement announcement, the TID Board of Directors is initiating the process of finding a successor.

    A native of the Central Valley, Hashimoto graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and is a licensed professional electrical engineer in the state of California.

    About the Turlock Irrigation District (TID)

    The Turlock Irrigation District, located in Turlock CA, is the first publicly owned Irrigation District and is one of only four today that provides irrigation water and power to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers within its service area. TID has been in the retail electric business since 1923. TID provides safe, low-cost, reliable energy to a growing customer base that today exceeds 100,000 home, farm, business, industrial and municipal accounts. TID also serves 5,800 irrigation customers covering approximately 150,000 acres of farmland. For more information about TID visit www.tid.org and follow @TurlockID (opens external link in new window) on Twitter.

  • Statement on Bureau of Reclamation’s April Allocation Announcement

    The Bureau of Reclamation announced the allocation for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors is being increased to 65%. In light of current hydrologic and reservoir conditions, this minor increase is astonishing.

    Thomas Birmingham, Westlands Water District’s general manager, stated: “This announcement begs the question, what has to happen before south-of-Delta farmers served by the Central Valley Project can get a full supply?”

    Since October 1, 2018, the beginning of the current water year, California has been blessed with abundant precipitation; the 2018-19 water year is now classified as wet. As of April 8, 2019, the snow water content in the northern and central Sierra Nevada were 160% and 163% of the long-term average, respectively. Storage in every CVP reservoir used to supply south-of-Delta CVP agricultural water service contractors was more than 100% of average for that date. Indeed, these reservoirs were and remain in flood control operations.

    Birmingham added, “I know that Reclamation staff understands the consequences of the decisions they make. Reclamation staff understands reduced allocations in a year like this needlessly increases overdraft in already overdrafted groundwater basins. Reclamation staff understands delayed allocation announcements make it nearly impossible for farmers to effectively plan their operations. If Reclamation’s leadership could, they would make a 100% allocation. But Reclamation’s hands are tied by restrictions imposed by biological opinions issued under the Endangered Species Act. These restrictions have crippled the CVP and have provided no demonstrative protection for listed fish species, all of which have continued to decline despite the draconian effect the biological opinions have had on water supply for people.”

    Birmingham concluded, “Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by the biological opinions, Westlands firmly believes that there is sufficient water to allocate to south-of-Delta agricultural water services contractors 100%. Today’s announcement by Reclamation is disappointing for every south-of Delta farmer served by the CVP, and we hope Reclamation will increase the allocation quickly to enable farmers to quit pumping groundwater.”

    After 2019, no one will be able to argue that water supply reductions for south-of-Delta CVP agricultural water service contractors are a result of hydrologic conditions. This year demonstrates only too well the crippling consequences of ineffective and unchecked regulations. Because of restrictions imposed on operations of the CVP under the guise of protecting fish, the CVP cannot be operated to satisfy on of the primary purposes for which it was built, supplying water to farmers.

  • WIA announces IGNITE, a women-owned business expo

    If your product or service has value in agribusiness and you have a women-owned business, the place for you to be is at IGNITE, the just-announced expo that shines a light on women-owned businesses with offerings to the ag sector. Hosted by Women in Agribusiness, IGNITE will take place during opening day – September 25, 2019 – of the 8th annual Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit here at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, September 25-27.

    From accounting services to agtech innovations to business planning and promotional expertise, women-owned businesses from all sectors will benefit from direct placement in front of some of the largest multinational companies in the world, such as Cargill, Land O’ Lakes and Wells Fargo. Additionally, IGNITE will include strategies and tactics on how to complete the certification process of being a women-owned business, which creates more opportunity to work with these global giants.

    With hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the expo includes opportunities to meet potential customers, demonstrate products or services, and support peers and colleagues in the sector. Two special presentations will be featured at the expo: Today’s Tips for Small Businesses and The Importance of Being Certified.

    “Supplier diversity is a key issue for most food industry giants,” said Joy O’Shaughnessy, chief operating officer of Women in Agribusiness and director of the annual Women in Agribusiness Summit.“At the same time there is a bevy of women looking to advance the prospects for their businesses. We are thrilled to introduce this platform to bring these two groups together to address their critical goals in onesetting, facilitating face-to-face communicationfor the ease of doing business.”

    About IGNITE

    Women business owners who want to showcase their service, product or business offering in support of the agribusiness sector
    Ag and food companies, supplier diversity professionals, procurement professionals.

    Where: Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis, Minnesota

    When: WIA Summit opening day, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    Why: To support and highlight women-owned businesses, provide guidance with certification efforts, and facilitate the introduction to multiple international corporations seeking services, as well as increase awareness of internal supplier diversity programs

     

    Local procurement professionals may attend the showcase for free (business card required), while local women-owned businesses may exhibit for a fee. Admittance is free for those who are registered for the Women in Agribusiness Summit, and there is a nominal fee for Summit attendees to exhibit. All participants – free or not – must register to attend IGNITE.
    Learn more about the expo – and the annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, which brings together nearly 800 women to learn about current industry outlooks and trends, develop valuable professional skills in an interactive and innovative forum, and network with influential executives in the sector – at womeninag.com.

    About Women in Agribusiness

    Women in Agribusiness is a business unit of HighQuest Group, a global agribusiness consulting, events and media firm. The Women in Agribusiness initiative took root in 2012, with the first conference held in Minneapolis. WIA initiatives have grown to include the WIA Membership, WIA Demeter Award of Excellence, Student Scholarships, and the WIA Quarterly Journal. Learn more at womeninag.com.  

  • 2018 Farm Bill Increases Limits and Makes Other Changes to Farm Loans

    WASHINGTON – Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans.

    “As natural disasters, trade disruptions, and persistent pressure on commodity prices continue to impact agricultural operations, farm loans become increasingly important to farmers and ranchers,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “The 2018 Farm Bill provides increased loan limits and more flexibility to farm loans, which gives producers more access to credit when they need it most.”

    Key changes include:

    • The Direct Operating Loan limit increased from $300,000 to $400,000, and the Guaranteed Operating Loan limit increased from $ 1.429 million to $1.75 million. Operating loans help producers pay for normal operating expenses, including machinery and equipment, seed, livestock feed, and more.
    • The Direct Farm Ownership Loan limit increased from $300,000 to $600,000, and the Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loan limit increased from $1.429 million to $1.75 million. Farm ownership loans help producers become owner-operators of family farms as well as improve and expand current operations.
    • Producers can now receive both a $50,000 Farm Ownership Microloan and a $50,000 Operating Microloan. Previously, microloans were limited to a combined $50,000. Microloans provide flexible access to credit for small, beginning, niche, and non-traditional farm operations.
    • Producers who previously received debt forgiveness as part of an approved FSA restructuring plan are now eligible to apply for emergency loans. Previously, these producers were ineligible.
    • Beginning and socially disadvantaged producers can now receive up to a 95 percent guarantee against the loss of principal and interest on a loan, up from 90 percent.

    About Farm Loans

    Direct farm loans, which include microloans and emergency loans, are financed and serviced by FSA, while guaranteed farm loans are financed and serviced by commercial lenders. For guaranteed loans, FSA provides a guarantee against possible financial loss of principal and interest.

    For more information on FSA farm loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA service center.

  • NRCS invites proposals for 2019 Conservation Innovation Grants

    USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $500,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000 in fiscal year 2019. Proposals are due by June 10, 2019.

    CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. The proposed projects should augment existing NRCS technical tools (planning, assessment and/or delivery) to better facilitate conservation on farms and ranches.

    “These grants present an outstanding opportunity for us as an Agency to find the intersection between cutting-edge, innovative thinkers and on-the-ground conservation doers,” said Tom Hedt, Assistant State Conservationist for NRCS in California. “It’s a chance for us to explore the sweet spot between the visionary and the doable.”

    CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers, into NRCS technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research.

    In 2019 NRCS California is prioritizing proposals that improve the “technical toolbox” to address the following on-farm resource concerns: soil health, water quality and quantity; plant quality; air quality; forestland health; wildlife; energy conservation; and waste recycling- resource conservation. Applicants are encouraged to explore the full program announcement to better match their proposals to these needs. Please see www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/programs/financial/cig/

    Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process and in 2019 will not include a pre-proposal process. Eligible applicants include state and local government, nongovernment organizations, Tribal governments, eligible private business and individuals. Applicants may contact Erik Beardsley at Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.govfor more information.

    Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on June 10, 2019.

    Applications must be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov.

    In addition, a PDF of the complete application must be emailed to Erik.Beardsley@ca.usda.gov. Both submissions must be received by the submission due date. Below is a link to the national CIG webpage project search tool, where limited information on past California projects can be found.

    https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ciglanding/national/programs/financial/cig/cigsearch/ 

  • Procedures for Possible Changes to CDFA Dairy Quota Program

    Background

    The Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) provides that anyone seeking substantive amendments or termination of the QIP must do so by submitting a petition to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) signed by at least 25 percent of market milk producers. The QIP does not specifically outline the procedures or process for a petition received by the Department.

    As a result, the Producer Review Board (Board) was convened to develop the procedures. The Board conducted two public meetings on December 19, 2018 and March 6, 2019 to receive input from the public and technical assistance from Department staff, and to develop the procedures for submitting a petition for proposed changes to or termination of the QIP .

    Results

    Based upon input from the public, the Department has developed the attached procedures for handling a petition for substantive amendments to or termination of theQIP .

    Procedures for Submitting a Petition for Substantive Amendments or Termination of the Quota Implementation Plan April 3, 2019

    Purpose of this document is to provide direction regarding the process for any petition received by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to amend or terminate the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP or Plan), as outlined in Article 11, Section 1103 of the QIP.

    Any petition to amend or termination the QIP shall include:

    • The name and contact information for a representative of the petitioning party.
    • A brief description of the proposed changes including a copy of the suggested language to amend the Plan.
    • Specific justifications for the proposed changes including legal authorities,relevant analysis, comments, and data supporting the request including any time frames (i.e. ongoing or temporary) for the proposed changes are suggested.
    • The producer name, producer number under the QIP program, physical dairy ranch address, signature of the producer, and signature date.
    • The information for each petitioner may be on a single page (i.e. one petitioner per page) or information for multiple petitioners may be listed on a single page. A brief description of the proposed changes including an exact and complete copy of the language to amend the Plan must be on each signature page.
    • The petition shall be submitted in one package to the CDFA Secretary or the QIP Administrator, via mail at CDFA-QIP 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or emailed to: dairy@cdfa.ca.gov
    • To be considered a complete package, the package shall include all the above listed items.
    • Once a petition is submitted to the Department it cannot be amended.

      Upon receipt of a petition:

    • The Secretary shall notify the petitioner in writing of its receipt of the petition.

    • The Secretary shall notify the Producer Review Board of its receipt via email and post the petition with producer’s personal information and signatures redacted on the CDFA website for no less than 90 days. The QIP Administrator will begin the verification process to validate submitted signatures. No more signatures will be received after the date the petition is received.
    • In the event the QIP Administrator receives substantial evidence that petition signatures may have been forged, the Department will take reasonable steps to confirm the validity of all petition signatures, except those that have been verified by a notary public at the time the petition was signed. Substantial evidence means more than a mere scintilla [a tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling]; it is such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
    • The QIP Administrator shall verify all dairy ownership using the latest QIP Program producer information available to ensure petitioner information, as submitted, is valid.
    • Producers eligible to receive a referendum ballot are persons, as defined in Food and Agricultural Code 61836, and producers of market milk.
    • The QIP Administrator shall tabulate whether the required twenty-five percent (25%) signature threshold has been achieved within ninety calendar days (90) of receipt of the petition. If the Department cannot validate the 25% signature threshold, the petition will be deemed invalid. The petitioner may resubmit another petition.
    • The Secretary shall notify the petitioner, the Producer Review Board (via email)and effected producers of the final tabulation and post the result on the CDFA website. (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/)
    • If the 25% threshold is achieved, the Secretary shall schedule, a meeting of the Producer Review Board within sixty calendar days (60) of petition certification.
    • The Producer Review Board shall review the petition in one or more meetings, adopt findings, and make a recommendation to the Secretary.
    • The Secretary shall review the PRB recommendation and if the Secretary finds that the Plan no longer tends to effectuate the purpose intended, the petitionshall be submitted for referendum in the same manner as provided for its initial approval, per Food and Agriculture Code 62717.
    • The Secretary’s determination shall be reported to the Petitioner, the Producer Review Board, effected producers and posted on the CDFA website within thirty calendar days (30) of the Producer Review Board’s recommendation.
    • Within forty-five (45) days of the Secretary’s determination, CDFA shall initiate the referendum process in the same manner as provided for the QIP’s initial approval.

  • B.F. Sisk Dam Seismic Upgrade

    The Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources prepared a joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for B.F. Sisk Safety of Dams Modification Project to reduce seismic risks at B.F. Sisk Dam in Merced County. The Draft EIS/EIR is available for a 45-day public review period.

    “B.F. Sisk is a key component to both the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project,” said Ernest Conant, Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Director. “We are pleased to release this joint document for review and comment.”

    Initiated as part of Reclamation’s Safety of Dams program, the Draft EIS/EIR evaluates the potential direct and indirect environmental impacts of alternatives that would prevent destabilization of the dam embankment, reduce safety concern, and maintain water supply deliveries to state and federal water contractors during a seismic event.

    The 382-foot tall B.F. Sisk Dam retains San Luis Reservoir, which is the nation’s largest off-stream reservoir and serves California’s State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

    Public meetings to receive comments on topics addressed in the Draft EIS/EIR have been scheduled for:

    • May 7, 2019, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Federal Building, Cafeteria Conference Rooms, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
    • May 8, 2019, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Miller and Lux Building, 830 6th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635

    The Notice of Availability (NOA) and Draft EIS/EIR may be viewed at Reclamation’s website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=34281; DWR’s website at https://water.ca.gov/News/Public-Notices/New-Public-Notice-Folder/BF-Sisk-Dam-EIS-and-EIR; at 1416 Ninth Street, Room 604-8, Sacramento, CA 95814; Los Banos Public Library at 1312 Seventh St., Los Banos, CA 93635; or by emailing rochelle.amrhein@water.ca.gov.

    Written comments on the environmental document must be received by close of business May 28, 2019. Send comments to Jamie LeFevre, Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way MP-152, Sacramento, CA 95825 or jlefevre@usbr.gov, or to Shelly Amrhein, DWR, P.O. Box 942836, Sacramento, CA 94236-0001, or via email to rochelle.amrhein@water.ca.gov, or faxed to 916-653-2960. For additional information or a CD document copy, contact Shelly Amrhein at 916-653-6973.

  • California Crop Weather (WEEK ENDING: April 14, 2019)

    WEATHER

    Temperatures for the week were above average for the most part across California. The Sierras experienced scattered showers and maintained above-average snow depth, while temperatures reached as high as 100 in the desert.Temperature lows ranged from the upper 20s to mid 40s in the Sierras, 30s to high 60s in the desert, high 30s to low 60s along the coast, and low 40s to low 50s in the valley.

    Temperature highs ranged from mid 40s to low 70s in the Sierras, mid 50s to high 80s in along the coast, mid 60s to mid 80s in the valley, and low 60s to low 100s in the desert.

    FIELD CROPS

    In Tulare County, wheat and alfalfa continued to mature. Silage crops were being cut. Spring silage continued to be planted.

    FRUIT CROPS

    Stone fruit orchard bloom was ongoing. Cherry and early plum fruit were sizing well. Pomegranates were leafing. Late navel orange harvest and packing continued. Somecitrus groves were being topped and skirted. Lemon harvest continued. Seedless tangerines were being tented to prevent cross pollination. Olives were blooming in Tulare County.

    NUT CROPS

    Almonds were sizing well. Walnuts were blooming. Pistachio planting continued.

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    In Imperial, romaine lettuce and spinach harvest continued. Winter vegetables continue tobe grown and harvested in Tulare. In the Sacramento Valley, asparagus harvest resumed.Processing tomato continued to be planted.

    LIVESTOCK

    Warmer temperatures promoted range development. Rangeland and non-irrigated pasturewere in good condition. Drier weather promoted milk production. Some bee hives were being moved from stone fruit orchards to the foothills.

    Crop weather report chart

  • Nutrien Ag Solutions Strengthens Partnership with National FFA Organization

    INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 15, 2019/National FFA Organization) – Nutrien has just announced an increase in their sponsorship of the National FFA Organization. In the past, the company has worked with FFA to ensure the future of agricultural education by their generous support that provided student members with the opportunity to grow into the world’s future leaders.

    This year, Nutrien Ag Solutions will serve as a silver sponsor to the National FFA Organization. They will support areas such as the New Century Farmer program; Washington Leadership Conference, Ag Sales- Entrepreneurship Proficiency; support for the National FFA Expo, to name a few. In addition, they fund FFA Alumni and Supporters grants as well as the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

    “We appreciate that the goals and values of Nutrien align with FFA and that they see our members as a critical part of their industry and company success,” said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation president.  “We are thankful for their increased support of our organization.”

    “I’m very excited to see where the Giver Backs to your Roots partnership is headed, and seeing what this year’s FFA grant recipients are doing to explore agriculture in their communities,” said Ian Loar, senior marketing manager of Nutrien. “We see FFA as a great organization to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

    At the local, state and national levels, FFA brings its mission to life for student members. Members gain experience in the areas of agricultural literacy and advocacy, agricultural knowledge, career exploration, leadership development, food security and service engagement.The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 669,989 student members who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

    About National FFA Organization

    The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 669,989 student members as part of 8,630 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and official news page of the National FFA Organization.

    About National FFA Foundation

    The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

  • Census of US Agriculture released – California snapshot

    The USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) has announced the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture with new information about U.S farms and ranches and those who operate them, including first-time data about on-farm decision making, down to the county level.

    “The Census shows new data that can be compared to previous censuses for insightsinto agricultural trends and changes down to the county level,” said NASSPacific Region Director Gary R. Keough. “We are pleased to share first-timedata on topics such as military status and on-farm decision making. To make iteasier to delve into the data, we made the results available in many onlineformats including a new data query interface, as well as traditional datatables.”

    The 2017 Census of Agriculture data show the following facts about California agriculture:

    • Top commodities were: fruits and nuts with $17.5 billion in farmgate value, vegetables with $8.2 billion, milk with 6.5 billion, cattle and calves with $3.1 billion, and horticulture with $2.9 billion.
    • Fresno, Tulare, Monterey, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties lead all U.S. counties in sales.
    • Fresno County’s agricultural sales were greater than those in 25 states.
    • Total farm production expenses for California totaled $37.8 billion, up $2.3 billion from 2012.
    • The average age of the California farmer is 59.2, up from 57.9 in 2012.Military veterans account for 10 percent of California farmers.
    • At 14,552 farms, California is the top state using renewable energy producing systems in agriculture. Solar is the most common renewable energy producing system on farms and ranches in the Golden State.

    Results are available in many online formats including video presentations, a new dataquery interface, maps, and traditional data tables. To address questions aboutthe 2017 Census of Agriculture data, @USDA_NASS will host a live Twitter “Askthe Census Experts” #StatChat on Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. ET. AllCensus of Agriculture information is available at www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

    The Census tells the story of American agriculture and is an important part of our history. First conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census, the Census of Agriculture accounts for all U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. After 1920, the Census happened every four to five years. By 1982, it was regularly conducted once every five years. Today, NASS sends questionnaires to nearly 3 million potential U.S. farms and ranches. Nearly 25 percent of those who responded did so online. Conducted since 1997 by USDA NASS – the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture – it remains the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation and is invaluable for planning the future.

    Link to Census