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| Duane A. Lienemann UNL Extention Educator |
March 15, 2013 Edition
Where does your food come from? If you're like many Americans, the answer is likely the grocery store. And frankly, that disturbs me. The grocery store isn't where food comes from - it's just from where it's distributed. In reality, far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture in their daily lives . . . and what it really takes to have food on their dinner table. Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational agriculture training – if it is even offered in their school district.
Just a few generations ago, most people were a part of - and had friends or relatives involved with - agriculture. Here in Nebraska most everyone had parents or grandparents that lived and/or worked on the farm. Today, that is no longer the case. We are fast becoming a state, and a nation, of individuals who are agriculturally illiterate. We are unfortunately becoming detached from the very engine that drives this state – agriculture. It is so important for people to understand how their food and fiber is produced, where it comes from, and even information on the producers who grow it for them. I am dedicating this article this week to a special nation-wide project because agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life . . . food, fiber, clothing, and shelter. And it's about time Americans recognize that contribution!
Frankly, it's easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and safe. For this, we're unbelievably fortunate . . . but that doesn't mean we don't have an obligation to recognize how it's made possible. National Ag Day falls during National Ag Week, March 17-23, 2013. Particularly we celebrate this coming March 19, which happens to be the day just prior to the vernal equinox and the first day of Spring, as National Agriculture Day. This will mark the 40th anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for this year is appropriately - “Generations Nourishing Generations.” Farms both big and small have a proud tradition of nourishing generations. That is why people like me are encouraging consumers from all walks of life to learn more about farmers’ roles in providing nourishment for our families, our animals and our soil.
One out of three Nebraskans derive their income from working directly with agriculture. Cash receipts from farm marketing contributed over $21 billion to Nebraska’s economy in 2011 which translated into a record net farm income of over $7.5 billion and 5.8 percent of the U.S. total. Nebraska has a vibrant export market and we need to remember that every dollar in agricultural exports generates $1.34 in economic activities such as transportation, financing, warehousing, and production. Nebraska’s $6.9 billion in agricultural exports in 2011 translate into $9.3 billion in additional economic activity. This all was done on Nebraska’s 46,800 farms and ranches that have an average operation size of 972 acres. Obviously that means a lot to our state in terms of how important the agricultural industry is to our economy and to every segment of our society that depends upon our largest industry.
The National Ag Day program encourages every Nebraska and 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 to Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry. It behooves us to honor National Agriculture Day and join in with thousands of these other agriculturalists to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. Our very existence may depend upon when and how we tell our story. It is important - particularly on a day like National Ag Day – for all of us to show our gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible.
We know that food and fiber doesn't just arrive at the grocery or clothing store . . . or magically appear on our dinner table, or in our closet. There's an entire industry dedicated to providing plentiful and safe food for consumption . . . as well as a wide range of comfortable, fashionable clothing choices. We rely on agriculture for the very necessities of life. Did you know American agriculture not only provides you food and clothing, but is working harder than ever to meet the needs of Americans, and others all round the world? Did you know that agriculture products are America's #1 export? And of great importance with new technology farmers are more environmentally friendly than ever before. American agriculture is not just producing more food it’s producing higher quality goods. And it's important to remember that American agriculture is not just doing it, but doing it better and more effectively! Consider this. Each American farmer feeds more than 155 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.
American farmers are working harder than ever, and it shows. The need for food produced in the United States is dramatic. Agriculture is this nation's #1 export and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy. And it's not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry, from farm to all the way to the grocery store, is full of vital links in a chain that brings food to every citizen - and millions of people abroad. That's really what this day is all about . . . recognizing the role of agriculture - and celebrating it! As you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day food think of the farmer!
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
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