View from the Cab: A day about ag

By: Kent Casson

While Ag Day doesn’t technically come until March 21, it is never too early to celebrate an industry which is important to all of us. Shouldn’t every day be ag day?

Coincidentally, Ag Day will fall during National Ag Week in March. The day recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

The campaign is hosted on a national level by the Agriculture Council of America. However, the awareness efforts in communities across the country are as influential than the broad-scale effort.

Through the National Ag Day program, every American is encouraged to understand how food and fiber products are produced and appreciate the role ag plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products. They should also realize the essential role of ag in maintaining a strong economy.

Why celebrate agriculture? Well, it provides most everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis but few truly understand this contribution. This is especially the case in some schools where students may only be exposed to the industry if they enroll in vocational training. Young people are encouraged to consider career opportunities in agriculture by the Agriculture Council of America.

An interesting fact to ponder as we embark on another Ag Day soon is that each American farmer feeds over 165 people. This is a large increase from just 25 people in the 1960s. As our world population continues to grow, demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States is greater than ever.

Events in Washington, DC are planned for March 21 along with a virtual event hosted by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA will bring college students to Washington virtually to deliver Ag Day’s message to the Hill.

There are ways you can help promote Ag Day in March. In fact, you are encouraged to get involved as public participation is critical to helping spread a positive message about ag. Anyone interested in planning an event can download an online Planning Guide. Other ways to help include sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling Congressional representatives or sharing information about ag with young people in your community.

More information can be obtained at 913-491-1895.

I’ll be sure to remind you about Ag Week and National Ag Day as we get closer. I always enjoy that time of the year as the temperatures start to warm and spring planting is around the corner. Stay tuned.