Only 2% of the U.S. population is comprised of farm and ranch families. Yet, our everyday lives are impacted by the work of each and every one of those families. From the food on our plate, to the clothes on our back and fuel that gets us from point a to b, agriculture encompasses everything we do. For those who are involved with the ag industry, it’s not just a job, it’s a way of life, tending to the land and livestock God has provided us, for our nourishment. This week is a reminder of how essential our producers, rural communities and all of those involved with the production of our food, fiber and fuel really are!
Celebrate National Ag Week by:
- Purchasing your meat locally
- Write a thank you note to a producer in your community
- Support a local dairy or creamery
- Volunteer at a school to read an ag themed book
- Share knowledge and advocate on social media platforms
- Donate or volunteer with an organization that supports farmers and ranchers such as your local Farm Bureau
Here are some fun facts about U.S. Agriculture:
- 1.9 million farms make up America’s rural landscape and 95% are operated by families.
- One U.S. farm feeds 169 people annually in the U.S. and abroad.
- Cattle and calves, corn, and soybeans are the top three U.S. Farm products
- Family farms and ranches account for 90% of total agricultural production value.
- Careful stewardship by America’s food producers has spurred a 34% decline in erosion of cropland by wind and water since 1982.
- One acre of land can grow a variety of crops, including 50,000 pounds of strawberries or 2,784 pounds (46.4 bushels) of wheat.
- One day’s production for a high-producing dairy cow yields 4.8 pounds of butter, 8.7 gallons of ice cream or 10.5 pounds of cheese
Facts are sourced by the USDA Census of Agriculture and Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
Kylie Reiss can be reached at kreiss@hpj.com.
