National Farmers Day: Celebrate Farmers!

National Farmers Day is celebrated today, October 12^th, the perfect date since it is near the end of harvesttime. Farmers only make up 2% of America yet their impact extends to us all, so let’s celebrate our farmers today and every day!

Did you know?

According to Farm Bureau…

• There are around 2 million farms in the U.S.
• 98% of farms are family operated
• 86% of U.S. agricultural products are produced on family farms/ranches
• One acre of land can grow a variety of crops, including 50,000 pounds of strawberries or 2,784 pounds (46.4 bushels) of wheat
• About 8% of U.S. farms market foods locally through direct-to-consumer or intermediated sales
• One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad

Farmers also contribute to food security in America. Thanks to their productivity and efficiency, Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable and among the world’s safest. U.S. farmers also contribute to global food security by exporting to developing countries in Southeast Asia, Central America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. U.S. exports to these areas have grown at nearly twice the annual rate, an effort supported by the USDA. In 2018, $139.6 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the world. The United States sells more food and fiber to world markets than we import, creating a positive agricultural trade balance.

Without farmers, these efforts would not have been possible. Farmers have a great impact not only in the United States, but around the world as well!

Ways to support your local farmer, according to the farmers almanac…

• Visit your local farmers market to buy fruit, veggies, meat, dairy products, and more.

• Visit pick-your-own farms, which can be an especially fun fall activity. You can pick your own pumpkin in the fall, your own strawberries in the summer, and even flowers in the spring! Search for a pick-your-own farm near you for a fun day!

• Get involved in local festivals and activities that support farmers. If your town doesn’t have any events, consider trying to start an annual festival that supports farmers in your community.