Ag Day is Tuesday
National Agriculture Day will be celebrated on March 19, 2024, in Washington, DC, starting with Ag Day at USDA.
“Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow” is the theme. Scheduled activities include:
Ag Day at USDA, Whitten Patio – Leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities will attend this event. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is invited to address attendees. Also invited and expected to attend are representatives of farm and commodity organizations, youth leader organizations and membership associations.
Jenni Badding, John Deere, Chair of National Ag Day, says everyone should understand how food and fiber products are produced and appreciate those that are involved in the process.
“National Ag Day gives us the opportunity to reinforce these values, and enhance understanding of the vital, essential role of American agriculture. Whether one farms the land, raises livestock, works in the agriculture supplies/retail sector, are a weed scientist, or grows fruits and vegetables for farmers markets, American farmers and American agriculture produce food, fiber, and fuel for millions world-wide,” Badding says.
Additional activities include Ag Day on the Hill, which will provide an opportunity for interacting and networking with Congressional members and Hill staff. Congressional speakers will be named later.
“We invite people to register and attend National Ag Day on March 19, 2024, in Washington, DC,” Badding says. “For those who can’t attend in person, there will be a virtual program that will air at 9 a.m. eastern. Registration for the virtual event is free of charge.
Students in grades 9-12 were eligible to enter the National Ag Day Video Essay Contest, on the official topic of Agriculture in the Future: If I had two minutes to talk to a farmer. The winning Video Essays will be featured on the Ag Day website, played at Ag Day at USDA event, and in the National Ag Day virtual program.
In its 51st year, National Ag Day encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry.
