For more than 230 years, agriculture has been the vital thread in the fabric of our nation. America’s farm and ranch families represent the cornerstone of our freedom and way of life – now and in the future. American agriculture is the backbone of our nation’s economy, and we express our appreciation for all who contribute to the U.S. agriculture industry.
National Agriculture Week, March 21-27, 2023 features the recognition of the strong agriculture tradition in Kansas and across the nation and the role the agriculture industry plays in the Kansas economy. This year’s theme, “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow!” marks the 50th anniversary of the celebration and describes the significant importance of our producers and that Agriculture is a part of all of us.
This special recognition helps the consumer understand how food and fiber products are produced along with building appreciation of the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. In addition, the recognition will build consumer awareness and value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy as well as acknowledging and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.
According to the Kansas Ag Statistics, each Kansas farmer feeds approximately 165 people around the state which is a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960’s. While farmland may stretch far and wide, the actual percentage of the U.S. population involved in agriculture is only 1.3%, or 2.6 million people! But quite simply, American agriculture is doing MORE and doing it BETTER!
Have you ever considered how agriculture starts with the growing and harvesting of food and fiber, and it ends with almost everything we eat, wear, and use and therefore helps make us...WHO WE ARE! Consumers around the nation will be learning about agriculture’s important role in their daily lives as part of National Agriculture Week, March 21-27, 2023.
Now more than ever, American agriculture is working together with the consumer to provide wholesome, safe, affordable and environmentally friendly products of the consumer’s choice. To make this happen, the various production and marketing segments within American agriculture are forming new and unique alliances, working together to better serve the global consumer.
Agriculture is a complex and constantly changing industry, striving to meet the needs and concerns of its customers–consumers. It is crucial that the public understand agriculture and how closely each person is tied to it. Our food and agriculture industry need the support of all Americans. Agriculture has always and will continue to be our country, state and county mainstay. It’s always been our anchor and strength. Let’s make sure it stays that way! For more information on agriculture contact me at any Post Rock Extension District Office in Beloit, Lincoln, Mankato, Osborne or Smith Center.
Post Rock Extension District of K-State Research and Extension serves Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, and Smith counties. Sandra may be contacted at [email protected] or by calling Smith Center, 282-6823, Beloit 738-3597, Lincoln 5244432, Mankato 378-3174, or Osborne 346-2521. Join us on Facebook at “Post Rock Extension” at www. postrock.ksu.edu, our weekly Ag News Roundup every Friday and my twitter account is @PRDcrops.
