View from the Cab: Ag in the spotlight

By Kent Casson

Agriculture was in the spotlight the other day and in a good way.

Last Tuesday was National Agriculture Day – a time to recognize those who feed the world.

This year’s theme was “Together We Grow” as people celebrated the abundance provided by the industry. Each year, various associations, producers, universities and others recognize and celebrate ag’s contributions to the world.

The website agfoundation.org notes that farming impacts everyone, from the food on the table to the clothes we wear. Consider making a contribution to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to fulfill the group’s mission of building understanding and awareness of ag through education.

Tuesday was also special in Illinois as it was Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day at the Capitol which annually brings together representatives from almost 50 diverse ag organizations to meet with state lawmakers. Organizations provide baskets filled with products and specialty lunches for legislators.

These items serve as a reminder of the multiple facets agriculture touches in the lives of their constituents and the impacts choices make on the industry.

Local farmer and State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington welcomed visitors to Springfield. He said community engagement and leadership skills along with a positive work ethic and the determination to see projects through are all priorities we should instill in the youth of today.

Bunting and others saluted FFA and 4-H during ag day at the Capitol. These great organizations prepare our youth to be future leaders. They are our future and we are in good hands. FFA members and 4-H’ers are some of the hardest working and driven young people around.

National Agriculture Day was held during the bigger National Agriculture Week which included several days of ag recognition. Thanks to the Livingston County Farm Bureau for supplying my radio listeners with free weather radios to mark the week.

I even saw a few tractors and sprayers out in the field during National Ag Week. That doesn’t always happen so soon.