A time to celebrate all things agrarian: National Agriculture Day and Week, Tuesday, March 21 and March 21-27

Photo by James Baltz, Unsplash

“On National Agriculture Day, we recognize the unique and irreplaceable value that farmers, ranchers, foresters, farmworkers, and other agricultural stewards have contributed to our nation's past and present. America's agriculture sector safeguards our nation's lands through sustainable management; ensures the health and safety of animals, plants, and people; provides a safe and abundant food supply; and facilitates opportunities for prosperity and economic development in rural America.” The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 10158—National Agriculture Day, 2021 --President Biden

When it comes to American farming, there are challenges, but there's lots to celebrate, too! National Agriculture Week is time rejoice in all the good things our country's ag-people do -- from 4-H moms to ranchers to farm workers to master gardeners.

Did you know these science-ish fun facts from Farm Bureau?

• 2 million farms dot America’s rural landscape. About 98% of U.S. farms are operated by families – individuals, family partnerships or family corporations.
• Farm and ranch families comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population.
• 86% of U.S. ag products sold are produced on family farms or ranches.
• Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable overall and among the world’s safest, thanks in large part to the efficiency and productivity of America’s farm and ranch families.
  • Check out Americans Can Trust That Their Food Is Safe, by Mindy Brashears, agriculture undersecretary for food safety.
• One day’s production for a high-producing dairy cow yields 4.8 pounds of butter or 8.7 gallons of ice cream or 10.5 pounds of cheese.
• The pounds of feed (grain, forage, etc.) a dairy cow needs to eat to produce 100 pounds of milk has decreased by more than 40% on average in the last 40 years.