National Ag Week held March 13-16
National Agriculture Week in 2016 is set for March 13-19, and National Ag Day is March 15.
“The theme for National Ag Day 2016 is ‘Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet,’” notes the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), who hosts the event.
All across the nation, classrooms and communities will be celebrating agriculture in America, reminding citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us.
“ACA will host major events in the nation’s capitol including the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Additionally, ACA will bring approximately 100 college students to Washington, D.C. to deliver the message of Ag Day to the Hill,” the organization says.
The National Ag Day program encourages Americans to understand how food and fiber 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 acknowledging and considering career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.
Wyoming agriculture
“Each farmer feeds more than 144 people – a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s,” ACA states.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the output from Wyoming’s ag sector totaled $50 billion in 2014.
“Cattle led the way in 2014 in terms of value production, at $937 million. All livestock production was valued at $1 billion,” reports NASS.
Hay was the leading crop produced in the state that year, with a production value of $317 million, followed by barley at $40.4 million.
Sugar beets had the third highest crop value, followed by corn, winter wheat and dry beans.
Participating
CASE IH encourages producers to participate in National Ag Week, scheduling time to be a part of Ag Day and showing off their allegiance to the industry.
“Simply making time to be there demonstrates our commitment,” they comment.
Case IH also recommended checking local ag organization calendars, working with local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs and participating in events.
“We should think about how much farmer attendance meant to us when we were among young organizations,” CASE IH says.
Social media
Social media is another tool producers can use to express their gratitude and passion for agriculture. From Facebook and Twitter to Instagram, along with a growing platform of digital communication tools, the internet provides a variety of doorways to share personal stories and accomplishments.
“If we’re active in social media, we can share Ag Day messages or other positive farm stories. Better yet, we can create our own. Sincerity will come through, and when our friends and followers like, share or repost, our voice multiples exponentially,” CASE IH suggests.
The company also encourages producers to encourage each other, reminding family, employees and others that Ag Day is an opportunity for agriculture to speak up, regardless of the sector.
“The agriculture community is huge – reaching far beyond farms and ranches and boots-on-the-ground producers,” they note.
Every day, those involved in agriculture set a positive example, providing food and fiber to Americans and consumers throughout the world.
“Ag Week and Ag Day give us a bigger stage and focus. Let’s make sure we do all we can to ensure our voices and stories are heard,” remarks CASE IH.
Wyoming is an important part of America’s agriculture. Producers are encouraged to take advantage of Ag Week and Ag Day 2016, sharing their knowledge and commitment to the industry.
Don’t forget to share your Ag Day events with the Roundup! Tag us in your Facebook posts or mention us on Twitter using @Wyo_Roundup.
Natasha Wheeler is editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be contacted at natasha@wylr.net.
