How the industry celebrates National Ag Day
Happy National Ag Day! March 15 has been set aside each year to commemorate the industry and those who have a hand in producing our food, fuel and fiber.
The industry is commemorating the day in a variety of ways. Here is a small sampling of what's going on.
Farm Credit is applauding 100 farmers and others in the agriculture industry whom they deem the top rural visionaries.
"These visionaries will reflect the best our rural communities have to offer through leadership, inspiration and foresight and they will shine a light on bold new ideas with creativity and energy that help communities to thrive," according to Nicole Gladden with Dstreet communications firm.
Bios of the Fresh Perspectives honorees are available at www.farmcredit100.com/fresh-perspectives/honorees.
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) president Dennis Slater issued a statement highlighting the need for elected leaders and candidates to focus on "productive solutions" during a difficult time for the industry.
"That means supporting renewable fuels like ethanol, guarding against regulatory overreach, expanding markets for equipment and commodities abroad, and maintaining a strong and vibrant infrastructure that helps farmers move their crops to market all over the world," he says.
American Agri-Women announced its members will be involved in a variety of outreach activities throughout the entire week.
"Agri-Women members and affiliates across the country have been involved in Ag Day since the early days, highlighting the importance of agriculture through a variety of activities over the years including Farmer's Share breakfasts or lunches, school visits, food drives, university ag information stations, legislative visits, newspaper articles and radio PSAs to help spread the word," says AAW president Doris Mold.
GROWMARK is encouraging farmers to participate in actions including state and national ag legislative activities, Agriculture in the Classroom and ag literacy efforts.
"Ag Day is an opportunity to continue to educate consumers of all ages," says Chuck Spencer, executive director of corporate and government relations. "From the food we eat to the products we use, farmers and American agriculture are feeding, fueling, and clothing a growing world."
Farmers and friends of agriculture fluttered over to Twitter to share their support using the hashtags #AgDay and #NationalAgDay. AgWeb's senior web producer Jo Windmann collected a few of her favorite tweets - click here to see them.
National Ag Day is organized each year by the Agriculture Council of America since 1973. For news, events, ideas and more, visit www.agday.org.
