I speak for the people working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We all are proud to be partners with the men and women who farm in Delaware. Agriculture is an honorable profession and we are honored to do our part to help. We salute you on Ag Day, March 19.
“Generations Nourishing Generations” is the theme for this year’s Ag Day. Our country’s farmers and ranchers work hard to provide food and clothing for our country and the world. Their dedication is an inspiration to us and to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Without them, we would not have the abundant food supply, the fiber, and the fuel we depend on daily.
Agriculture involves sacrifice. As a youngster on the farm, the most immediate sacrifice noticed is sleep. Getting up early and working hard until sundown is not something that always comes easy…it usually has to be learned…from your parents or your grandparents.
That sacrifice continues as you grow. Or if you start to farm later in life, you encounter it immediately when you take charge of your operation… long, hard hours, dripping sweat in the soil and taking a risk when needed to doctor an animal, weld an implement or finance next year’s planting.
According to recent USDA studies, the agricultural sector right now remains a bright spot in terms of economic stability and growth and there is a strong demand for U.S. agricultural products. Generation after generation of agricultural producers in Delaware are getting up early every day to keep this sector of the economy healthy, providing jobs and income for both rural and urban families and communities.
In 1960 each U.S. farmer provided food for about 25 people. Today, each U.S. farmer feeds more than 144 people, an increase of over 500%. Research and new technologies have boosted production, but someone still has to go outdoors and make things grow. Without regard for the wind, rain, snow, freeze, fire and drought…the farmer and the ranchers can be found tending the crops, flock or herd, and doing it well. Even with last season’s severe weather and natural disasters, American farmers and ranchers have still prevailed to get the food and fuel to market.
Let’s thank these men and women for a job well done. Agriculture is America’s number one export, and critical to sustaining a healthy economy. According to a 2008 economic impact study conducted by the University of Delaware, agriculture provides 30,000 jobs and contributes over $8 billion to the state economy. We are ranked number 10 in the nation for chicken and its meat products and number 26 in the nation for soybeans. Currently, Delaware has 510,253 acres dedicated to agricultural production. Some of our major commodities are corn, soybeans, and poultry.
Frankly, it’s easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and very safe. For this, we’re unbelievably fortunate . . . but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an obligation to recognize who makes it possible.
This National Ag Day on March 19 is a good time to reflect – and be grateful for – American agriculture! To find more Ag Day information and events, visit the sponsoring Agricultural Council of American at www.agday.org.
