North Egypt News

Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) took to Facebook March 21 to mark National Ag day, which recognizes farmers and agricultural specialists.

“Happy National Ag Day to the Illinois ag community including the farm families, workers, educators, businesses and all who keep the industry healthy and growing,” Windhorst posted on Facebook.

According to an article by the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners written by Joanie Stiers for National Ag Day, families own and operate 96% of farms across the state. The article said this means that families, not corporations are what make the most decisions about how food, fuel and feed is created.

“By nature, farmers problem-solve on and off the farm with the passionate intent to make a difference,” the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners article states. “In rural towns across Illinois, farmers serve as Sunday school teachers, 4-H leaders, sports coaches, school volunteers and FFA supporters. Farm shops host community gatherings, and farmers pool their unique resources to meet needs.”

It goes on to tell the story of several years back when farm families in Illinois provided equipment and labor to build a park playground, which was recognized by the governor.

“The value and impact of Illinois agriculture extends beyond the state and even nation’s borders,” the article states. “Blessed with a navigable river system, Illinois ranks third nationally in the export of agricultural commodities, providing food, feed and fuel around the globe from farms owned and operated by families – families like ours who work together and gather around the table for Easter dinner, too.”

The Farm Bureau’s Isabella Chism, who is a row crop farmer in Indiana and the second vice president of the Indiana Farm Bureau, created a blog post celebrating National Ag Day, as well. She said it is a day to celebrate American agriculture and the farm and ranch families involved in growing a “safe, sustainable food supply.”

“We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much more,” Chism wrote. “Demand for college graduates with degrees related to agriculture continues to grow, according to the USDA. This includes job opportunities in management and business, such as marketers, financial advisors, credit analysts, business consultants, insurance managers and e-commerce specialists. With so much of our life depending on modern agriculture, it’s appropriate to set aside at least one day a year to recognize and celebrate our safe and abundant food supply.”

The Agriculture Council of America also organizes National Ag Day celebrations in a variety of ways, including an essay contest. This year’s first prize went to Timothy Hill of Orlando, Fla., who received a $1,000 award and recognition during the virtual Ag Day event that took place on March 21. There were also three merit winners who received $100 and have essays featured in the Ag Day Blog including: Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pa.; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas.