Through National Ag Day, the ACA, which is an organization composed of leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities, hopes to increase Americans’ understanding of how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced, the essential role agriculture plays in a strong economy and career opportunities available in agriculture-related industries.
This year, which marks the 40th anniversary of National Ag Day, the ACA is hosting a variety of events in Washington D.C. — including expert panel discussions and a “Celebration of Ag” dinner — to highlight the significance of U.S. agriculture on a national and international level.
“This is undoubtedly the most important Ag Day program in our history,” said Jenny Pickett, ACA president in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure the eyes of the nation are on the contributions American agriculture makes not just here in the United States, but also around the world. That’s the message we’re taking to the Hill, and the message that will be carried through communities across America.”
If you can’t make it to the nation’s capital, here are ideas from the ACA about how your farm, company or school can celebrate National Ag Day. Materials and additional ideas are available at www.agday.org.
- Ag Day Breakfast — Host an Ag Day breakfast for local government and business leaders. Identify a keynote speaker to talk about agriculture and plan your menu around locally grown and raised agriculture products.
- Pizza Party — Organize a pizza party on a farm, in a classroom or at a mall. Explain how ingredients from kids’ favorite food come from farms and ranches and how each is processed and delivered to the grocery store or restaurant.
- Adopt-A-Legislator — Invite one or more state legislators to visit local farms and ranches or set up a visit to their state office. Leave them with Ag Day materials and local agriculture products.
- Adopt-a-Classroom — Host a classroom field trip to a local farm, ranch or a university’s agricultural research farm. Or, bring the farm to the classroom. This provides a great opportunity for children to learn about career opportunities in agriculture.
- Library Display — Approach your local public or school libraries about organizing an exhibit during Ag Day. You might offer to arrange for a speaker or a lecture series about agriculture. Books about rural communities, animals, farms, etc., could be part of a special Ag Day section that encourages children to learn more about agriculture and how it affects their lives.
Are you planning an event or activity to celebrate National Ag Day? If yes, please share your plans or photos.
Photo obtained from: www.agday.org/
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