The census date is Sunday 31 December 2017 and farmers are reminded that completion and return of the census is a legal obligation.

Over 45,000 sheep and goat farmers registered with the Department of Agriculture began to receive their annual census forms earlier this month.

The onus remains with the flock/herdkeeper to make sure that completed census forms being returned by post are received on time.

The only acceptable proof of postage is a registered post receipt in the case of dispute regarding postal returns. A postal certificate or express post receipt is not acceptable as proof of postage.

The closing date for receipt of completed 2017 census forms is 31 January 2018. Postal returns must be forwarded to Seefin Data Management, PO Box 17, An Post, Cahirdown, Listowel DSU, Co Kerry, no later than that date.

However, respondents submitting a census return online via agfood.ie may avail of an extended closing date until 11.59pm on 14 February 2018.

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