Farmers and ranchers across the country are being recognized today as part of an annual event that honors them for the part they play in providing food, fiber and fuel to billions of people worldwide. National Ag Day is an event set aside to celebrate the contributions of agriculture in everyday lives. “Agriculture touches everyone’s life in one way or another, yet our farmers and ranchers can often be overlooked for the important job they perform,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a press release. “We should all take time during this day to celebrate the agriculture industry and thank producers for a job well done.” Read more.
Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary of agriculture, kicked off events for the day by hosting Ag Day Coffee. The event recognized the accomplishments of several young farmers from the Future Farmers of America and Outstanding Young Farmers. Merrigan said the role producers play is essential to the American people and the world. “Farmers shoulder a load that goes beyond their operation,” said Merrigan. They are environmentalist and they are sharply attuned to the open market, she stated.
With farm income at record levels for 2010 and expected to exceed that in 2011, agriculture is leading the economic recovery. “When the President spoke about out-innovating and out-building the world, he was speaking directly to rural America,” said Merrigan. “Farmers are single-minded, tenacious problem solvers. What they do is amazing.”
