In late June the ABS sent out forms for the Agricultural Resource Management survey to farms across Australia.

So far, just under half of these forms have been returned; but the ABS starts preparing preliminary estimates next month, so it is calling on farmers to return outstanding forms as soon as they can.

This survey is collecting information on agricultural production throughout Australia and it's contribution to the national economy, as well as the management practices being adopted and applied by Australian farmers.

"The complimentary data collected in the survey will help the development of policies to support productive and sustainable farming," said Charles McElhone, economics manager of the National Farmers' Federation.

The ABS relies on the information provided by farmers, and has had strong support in previous surveys.

Every form in a survey counts, and the ABS is looking forward to the continued support of farmers with this survey.

Preliminary results for 2007-08 will be released by the ABS in late 2008.

* More information on the Agricultural Resource Management survey can be found on the ABS web site www.abs.gov.au under 'ARM survey' or contact the ABS on 1800 647 011 (freecall except for mobile phones).