This essay is a merit winner in the 2023 Ag Day Essay Contest. Visit www.agday.org for more details on National Ag Day.
Sophie Griswold: Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day
As the daughter of a country boy and a city girl, I’ve grown
up to become a bridge between rural and urban communities. I feel it is my
purpose to educate people on both sides of my heritage, so our country can
become more united and work together to grow a climate for tomorrow. Our future
depends on the dedication and skills of farmers.
Even though only 10% of greenhouse gas emissions are
produced by American agriculture (Sustainability), some people blame farmers
for rising carbon emissions and global temperatures. The public does not
recognize farmers’ conservation efforts and ongoing commitment to improving
their environmental practices. Members of the American agricultural community
work hard to safeguard the climate for future generations.
Farmers have implemented sustainable practices, like
nutrient management plans and renewable energy production, for decades. All
farms, including the farm where I house my cows, have effective and safe plans
to manage their manure. For example, a growing number of dairy farms have a
methane or biogas digester that generates a climate-saving renewable energy
source. Plus, the rise of biofuels has allowed farmers to fight climate change.
Currently, over 3 trillion pounds of corn have been converted to ethanol, a
renewable resource that can fuel American vehicles and machinery
(Sustainability).
Along with our environmental efforts, the agricultural
community uses technology to help combat climate change. Since 2018, farmers
have added enough geothermal and solar panels, windmills, hydro systems, and
methane digesters to produce 132% more renewable energy. These technological
advancements have improved the environment, increased food production, and
improved land efficiency. Now farmers use less water and fewer pesticides to
grow nutritious food for consumers while conserving over 100 million acres of
land (Sustainability).
The public expects affordable, sustainability-produced food
that improves buyer health. Each day hard-working farmers meet these demands of
consumers with dedication and a positive attitude. Because of U.S. farmers’
productivity that yields more food at lower costs than most countries (Staff),
Americans spend half as much of their income on food compared to citizens of
other nations (Cheng). Farmers work diligently to honor the land, water, and
air around them while mastering complex agricultural processes, like food
production and animal management.
I am proud to be part of the American agricultural community
for so many reasons. Every day I have delicious farm-grown food on my plate, a
safe place to house my cows, and the knowledge that farmers are working to
improve our environment. As I continue to bridge the gap that divides urban and
rural communities, I encourage everyone to thank a farmer. Without our American
agricultural community, we’d have no food and less hope for a bright
environmental future.
