Agriculture is… a profession to be proud of!

Put on your party hats (or that seed corn hat works too) and throw out some confetti (or maybe just a few bales of hay), because today is National Ag Day. A day dedicated to the farmers and ranchers that provide the feed, fuel, and fiber for this great nation. Here are a few reasons to celebrate agriculture:

• Agriculture is… critical to the state of Iowa, as Iowa farmers lead the nation in corn, soybean, hog, and egg production. –Nat’l Ag in the Classroom

• Agriculture is… the nation’s largest employer, responsible for 1 in 12 U.S. jobs. –Tom Vilsack

• Agriculture is… more productive than ever, having doubled U.S. farm output since 1948. –USDA-ERS

• Agriculture is… developing new markets, with U.S. farm exports growing from $85 billion to $144 billion in the last two decades. –USDA-ERS

• Agriculture is… providing a food supply that is abundant, affordable, and among the world’s safest. –Farm and Dairy

• Agriculture is… more than a part of life, it a passion, a lifestyle, a resilient community that works hard to feed the world. –Agriculture Proud

• Agriculture is… our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness. –Thomas Jefferson 

• Agriculture is… the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man. –George Washington