Thanks to Justine Meyer, Megan Herbst and Kirsten Udderman for visiting with me about the work that Stearns SWCD is doing on Women in Ag Day on the Hill. #mnleg
Happy National Women in Ag Day! “The cowgirl faces life head on, lives by her own lights and makes no excuses.” - Dale Evans #NationalWomeninAgDay #RanchHer #FarmHer #Cowgirl Show more
National AG (Agriculture) Day emphasizes the significant role of agriculture in our everyday lives. Its general purpose is to recognize and celebrate the contributions of agriculture in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products, a strong economy, a source of renewable energy, and a world of job opportunities.
The Agriculture Council of America initiated National AG Day in 1973, fostering an opportunity to increase public awareness about the food and fiber industry. Ably supported by several agricultural organizations and businesses, the event enlightens communities about how food, clothing, and other material goods are produced and the crucial role farmers play in our society.
National AG Day celebrations range from educating young people about the sources of their food to honoring those who dedicate their lives to promoting agricultural innovation and sustainability. It reinforces the connection between farmland, conservation, and the environment. The event also spotlights the vital part agriculture plays in providing safe and readily available food sources. National AG Day typically occurs during National Agriculture Week, around the beginning of Spring, on March 23rd.
Facts about National AG Day
In 2023, the U.S Department of Agriculture reported the total value of agricultural products to be $178 billion, the data for 2024 will be released in late 2024. In 2022, it was estimated that the U.S. will export about $183.5 billion worth of agricultural products around the world.
According to the Farm Bureau, in 2024, there are 2 million farms spread across the United States. 98% of them are operated by families.
The top 3 U.S farm products are cattle and calves, corn, and soybeans.
Ag Day is particularly significant in the U.S, where more than 22 million people are employed in agriculture-related jobs.