By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Agriculture is the foundation of America, and the contributions of farmers, ranchers, foresters and others involved in agriculture are recognized on National Ag Day.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, and the theme is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”

National Ag Day recognizes and celebrates the farmers and ranchers who work the land and fuel America, but never have challenges been greater for agriculture.

More than 1 million acres of U.S. farmland are lost each year to development. Weather extremes like drought, sand storms or hurricanes can overtake farmers’ best efforts. There’s growing competition for water and other resources, too.

To meet these challenges, farmers and ranchers adapt and change. New technologies focus on productivity and efficiency, helping farmers and ranchers grow more food with less water, fertilizer and chemicals.

“Ag Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything that we as farmers and ranchers do,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to work in agriculture and to connect with consumers about the vital role agriculture plays in our society.”

The National Ag Day program 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 sector.

“We have so many reasons to celebrate agriculture in the Lone Star State, because it is one of the state’s largest economic drivers,” Boening said.

The economic impact of farms, ranches and related businesses totals more than $115 billion annually, and agriculture employs one out of every seven working Texans.

The state’s varied climates and soil types enable farmers to grow a wide selection of crops, including grains, fiber, timber, fruits and vegetables. Texas is especially well-known for raising cattle, but sheep, goats and poultry are major sectors of the Texas agricultural economy, as well.

“Texas and American agriculture are a part of all of us,” he said. “Regardless of where you live or work, agriculture has an impact on all Texans. Agriculture is our food, fiber and fuel. It’s our natural resources and environment. It’s careers like education, food safety, science, engineering and more. It’s also our foundation and our legacy.”

As urban areas continue to grow and agricultural land is lost, increasing agricultural awareness is critical, Boening said.

To help cultivate that understanding, TFB works to build relationships in schools and communities.

TFB fosters agricultural advocacy through membership and a variety of educational opportunities, including agriculture in the classroom, teacher workshops, free lesson plans and learning resources, among others.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community. The organization has been hosting Ag Day annually since 1973.