Today is a very special day in agriculture. It is National Ag Day. It is time that is set aside to honor the American farmer and celebrate all the accomplishments they have made to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. There is a big celebration happening on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The grass is home to tractors, implements, technology, and groups educating the passersby about the importance of Agriculture at the table and beyond.
National Ag Day events across the country are a fine way to engage with consumers about what is going on in the industry. Gatherings like the one in Washington are like miniature farm shows for the general public to feel like they belong, and can ask questions about how their food, fuel, and clothing is produced. While this is a great opportunity, it should also serve as a reminder to producers that we can tell this story any day of the year.
As we sat for a brief morning meeting about today?s stories, I made the comment that I would cover National Ag Day. Brent jokingly commented, ?Every day is National Ag Day.? I know it was meant in good spirit ribbing of those few that would make that comment. I can almost hear my father and my grandfather both saying those exact words. I am pretty sure that others in my family will say it sometime today as well.
?Every day is National Ag Day.?
It ranks up there with such well-known phrases like, ?Did you eat today?? and ?Thank a farmer.?
While these phrases are sometimes said arrogantly or angrily, there is no way to say that those messages aren?t true. Every day that someone can eat, put on clothes, or use clean energy; you should thank a farmer. Farmers do this job every day, day in day out. It doesn?t matter if it is hot or cold, wet or dry, or if the prices are at record highs. The crops that are starting to go in around the country are proof that this is just yet another cycle for the American Farmer.
?Every day is National Ag Day.?
However, just like at any other time of the year, there are people out there with their misinformation. Probably even more so today. I heard from a fellow broadcaster on the National Mall that these anti-ag groups are out there in force, trying to sway that same public that what we do every day is wrong. And trying to refute the education that these ag supporters are giving, or worse convincing these consumers to not even ask questions and leave altogether. It?s just another way for them to get under our skin and do it when our industry is on display.
These protests and misleading stories are shared everyday by a group of people who are trying to convince others that we should turn our back on all the scientific advancements that have been made to feed more people with less resources. Many of these people who want us to turn our backs to this science, argued for science these past two years. You cannot have it both ways. You cannot ?follow the science? only when it agrees with your platform. It is all or none.
?Every day is National Ag Day.?
This is why we need to tell our stories. We need to share what is happening with the consuming public. We need to fill in the blanks on the half-truths that are being told. We need to document what we do and share it with the public. We need to be vocal to our elected representatives to get the point across. We need to seek conversation with those who would regulate our way of life with no knowledge of how it works. We can no longer remain silent.
?Every day is National Ag Day.?
Farming can be some of the most stressful, but most rewarding work to be doing. Agriculture should be proud across all areas of the industry. Share your story. Support those who grow different commodities than you. Support those small farmers at the farmers? market. They are in this with you. This is a big family with different points of view, but we all have a common goal, taking care of the world. The more we allow those who don?t understand agriculture to regulate it, the less control we will have over our own destiny.
?Every day is ?National Ag Day.?
Every day that you don?t take the opportunity to share your story and connect with consumers is another opportunity lost.
?Every Day is National Ag Day.?
As you get ready to start this 2022 growing season, know that there are millions of people who are grateful for what you do. We want you to be safe. We want you to be prosperous. We want you to keep driving the innovation of agriculture forward in a way that is both productive and responsible. We want you to tell your story. We want to share your story. We want to keep eating and being clothed. We support the American farmer because:
?Every day is National Ag Day.?
