Appreciation for agriculture is necessary
Recognizing agriculture’s impact, whether for a day, week or month, seems fitting. Much good has been promoted over many years with National Agriculture Day, National Agriculture Week and National Agriculture Month.
Many years ago, I remember when chambers of commerce, working with local Extension, schools, banks and farm-related businesses, held all-day events. Mostly, they were events of the 1970s and 1980s. In that era, baby boomers were still children and farm families were larger.
In some communities, those beginnings were the roots of larger farm shows, and thankfully those still exist.
Of course, time has a way of changing. Many communities, while they depend on agriculture, have seen farm sizes grow and farm numbers decline as enterprises depend more on technology. Many rural communities have seen declines in school enrollment, and main streets have a few empty buildings. With time comes the inevitable question: Are these trends going to continue? The answer will be known in time.
However, without local leadership, it becomes impossible to reverse these trends. Progress marches on, and it requires putting our own stake in the game. The Feeding the Economy report, issued March 23, noted agricultural industries, including farmers and ranchers, provide $10.4 trillion in economic value.
Several speakers on a media call noted the importance of agribusiness that ripples throughout rural communities, particularly skilled innovators who build products that help farmers, ranchers and the food industry at large be successful. A story is online at https://hpj.com/2026/03/23/feeding-the-economy-report-celebrates-agriculture/.
In the communities I have lived in, there are legacy businesses and manufacturers where the base of operation continues to serve farmers and ranchers. Those owners and managers continue to stay optimistic.
March, over the past 50 years, has been rooted in “March Madness,” a great time to watch college basketball (if your school is in the tournament) and to root for small schools that look to make waves. It lends itself to fun and conversation.
March is also a great time to think about agriculture and its roots in tending crops and livestock as we put winter behind us. “Madness” might come from planting seeds when conditions may seem trying—whether in the face of drought, wildfires, high input prices or low commodity prices. Still, when the farmer watches the crop come to fruition, there is a sense of accomplishment that no one else in other sectors can appreciate.
This year will be a trying one, but admiration for farmers and ranchers should never be underappreciated. As local leaders understand their roots, community success stories will grow.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
