Celebrating America’s Farm and Ranch Families on National Ag Day

By Isabella Chism

Happy birthday, agriculture! Although March 21 – National Ag Day – is not actually a birthday like the one you and I celebrate each year, it is a celebration. On this day we celebrate American agriculture and our farm and ranch families who take great pride 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.

I consider it a privilege to play a part in telling the true story of American agriculture. Together with my family, I farm in north central Indiana. We grow corn that’s fed to cattle, pigs and chickens. Have you enjoyed a hamburger, steak, chicken wings or bacon lately? Then you’ve benefited from the corn we grow.

We also grow soybeans. After harvest we take them to be crushed. Crushing releases oil that is used for cooking. Did you know that lecithin in soybeans is used for making chocolate? Another component after crushing is soybean meal, which is used to feed livestock.

Sweet corn is our most challenging crop. It needs to be hand-picked as soon as it’s ready. Otherwise it goes to waste or the wildlife living around the field will eat it. We sell our sweet corn direct to consumers at local farmers markets. 

Through my work as a Farm Bureau leader, one of my favorite ways to help people understand more about where their food comes from is inviting them to our farm. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing the light of wonder and understanding in someone’s eyes when they sit in the tractor next to me getting answers to their questions about food and farming. Since we can’t bring everyone to our farm, we also work with our county Farm Bureau to take the farm to schools, our local courthouse or even the county fair through a farm-to-pizza (or taco) experience.

Sharing about the multitude of career opportunities in agriculture is another way to help people grow in understanding. Some of those jobs include engineers, agronomists, plant breeders, foresters, veterinarians, agriscience teachers, climate specialists, food scientists, nutritionists and many more.

Demand for college graduates with degrees related to agriculture continues to grow, according to 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. Join me on March 21, National Ag Day 2023, to celebrate America’s farm and ranch families.

Isabella Chism is a row crop farmer in Indiana and serves as 2nd vice president of Indiana Farm Bureau. She also chairs the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. 

Powerful Partnerships Grow a Climate for Tomorrow

Ashley McDonald, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability at National Pork Board

Powerful partnerships are built on shared values. I am reminded of this truth daily as I see the agriculture industry live it out—the industry responsible for providing one of the necessities to sustain human life on this planet: food. The process of getting food from the farm to the table requires the work of many. It’s not just the grocery stores and the farmers – it’s the processors, distributors, transporters, retailers and suppliers. Each with business goals of their own, yet unable to get food into the hands of hungry consumers without help from one another.

A powerful partnership, indeed.

We all want (and need) access to clean water, fresh air, healthy soil and nutrient-dense food. The pork industry is committed to continuously improving our practices to do our part in ensuring those needs are met. We partner with members up and down the supply chain to benefit the entire agriculture industry and move forward in the right direction. The pork industry, for example, set a goal to reduce GHG emissions 40% by 2030 – a goal that would not be possible without collaboration and partnerships with others who share the same values.

While agriculture is responsible for only 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the pork industry accounts for approximately 4%. Despite this relatively small proportion, pig farmers are aware of the impact GHGs have on the environment and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The majority of GHG emissions in the pork industry are concentrated in the feed of the animals, making it necessary to work with feed producers to make improvements. Both types of producers share a common goal of reducing their environmental impact and their mutual support and understanding are critical to success.

In 2022, the National Pork Board and six other organizations were awarded $20 million through one of three climate-smart grants in which NPB is involved. Nestrade SA, Sustainable Environmental Consultants, Trust in Food (Farm Journal Inc.), Farm Credit Council, Millborn Seeds and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products. The grant provides producers financial assistance to implement sustainable practices on the ground, uses scientific models to show the effects of these practices on the climate and connects these improvements and data to the end user—ultimately building trust with consumers.

Partnerships spanning the entire supply chain are undoubtedly powerful, but it's equally important for producers to collaborate with their checkoff organizations. By doing so, producers not only benefit their farms but also contribute to the betterment of the entire U.S. pork industry. Through these collaborations, they ensure the positive impact of their efforts stays within their industry and product, which leads to greater trust from consumers. This enhanced confidence in the quality and sustainability of their products helps to demonstrate that pork is good for people, pigs and the planet.

As we celebrate National Ag Day, let’s remember those shared values that unite us, so we can continue growing a climate for tomorrow and ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

 

Fighting the Good Fight for Farmers and Our Future

By: Dr. Jacqueline Applegate, President of Bayer’s Crop Science division in North America

In the 50 years since the inaugural Ag Day celebration, agriculture has been a steady force in our economy and a persistent example of the values of hard work, community, and dedication to a noble profession that provides for our society.

The years have brought improved technologies and exciting innovation, but also the need to navigate new weather patterns, increasing public scrutiny, complicated international trade realities, and more.

The sentiment of Ag Day is that farmers do not stand alone. We, as an industry – many of us having grown up on farms, or like me, in a rural community – are deeply invested in the success of farmers. And every day, but especially on Ag Day, is an opportunity to show our gratitude to the men and women who work tirelessly to provide the needed food, feed, fiber and fuel for our growing world.

Bayer is dedicated to supporting farmers on and off the field – including advocacy on behalf of their interests. We partner with grower groups and industry associations to advocate on issues that impact farmers, including support for farmers’ access to options when it comes to choosing the technologies they need to run their operations productively and sustainably.

As more and more of society finds itself removed from farming, we are there to tell the story of American agriculture and champion its needs – from Washington, to state capitals and even globally – anywhere decisions impacting farmers’ businesses are being made.

I am proud to lock arms with others in the industry in defense of farmers’ access to the best and most sustainable technologies available today. And my colleagues and I work tirelessly to develop and deliver transformative solutions for tomorrow – like our Smart Corn System with Short Stature Corn, which will help customers succeed through holistic solutions that help manage risk through season-long access and improved standability in difficult weather.

Every investment we make in innovation is also an investment in sustainability, which is important to Bayer, important to the customers we serve today, and important to the next generation that will inherit our progress to lead the agriculture of tomorrow.

Being at the forefront of what’s next for agriculture requires a commitment to cultivating a workforce of the future. We are passionate about supporting the next generation of ag leaders through partnerships like our Science Matters initiative to provide the 4-H STEM challenge, Ag Innovators Experience, Youth in Action Award, and Ignite by 4-H. It is also an honor to sponsor the youth organizations participating in Ag Day, including 4-H, FFA, MANRRS, and AFA.

Building the future of farming requires insight and foresight to convert some of the world’s biggest challenges into the biggest breakthroughs for mankind. In a rapidly changing world, the stable roots of agriculture’s rich history provide the inspiration to innovate for an even better tomorrow.

While National Ag Day allows us to recognize and celebrate the pivotal role of America’s agriculture industry, I encourage everyone to join me in being an AGvocate every day! Let’s all do our part to share and support the amazing story of American agriculture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silage and Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand

Did you know oxygen exposure is the most critical factor in creating, maintaining, and minimizing loss of high-quality silage? Silage, pasture grass or feed crops like corn that has been “pickled,” is a method to preserve feed for cattle and sheep to eat later when natural grazing is not an option. Preserved correctly, silage can last for up to three years.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, corn silage acreage cut was up by 55,000 acres in 2021, reaching a total of 230,000 acres. Estimated production totaled 5.29 million tons, compared to 4.20 million tons produced the previous year. Silage production is an expensive process, and oftentimes, farmers can lose the top meter (or top 10%) of their silage with a poor protection system.

Protect your product and your planet

A stronger protection system results in increased oxygen protection, lower losses due to shrinkage, higher sugar and starch levels, a decreased pH, mold and mycotoxin growth. Additionally, an effective protection system means less labor removing spoiled silage, improved animal health due to lower risk of mycotoxins and an extra 2.5 days of aerobic stability.

All those benefits increase a silage producer’s bottom line. For every $1 spent on a silage protection system, an additional $12 of silage is generated.

Produce high quality silage while being environmentally friendly

Another factor that weighs not only on the wallet, but on the mind, is sustainability. In an industry where climate change has the biggest impact on crops, animals and human life, a farmer can reduce their carbon footprint while producing high quality silage. By using less plastic and opting for recyclable, sustainably conscious products and solutions, a farmer can gain a higher return on their investment, free up their time to focus on the things that matter most and reduce their impact on the environment.

Silostop Agri is the first agricultural company to introduce a silage/film covering system that reduces the overall plastic required by 60%. All their products are fully recyclable and reusable, and in a market like the United States—where thick, heavy, non-recyclable products are mainstream—farmers and silage producers can feel confident that they’re helping the environment while maximizing production by reducing their use of plastic. 

We can do more

Sustainability doesn’t stop at recycling, signing a pledge or carpooling. Silostop Agri aims to educate farmers on how to make better silage, reduce their plastic usage and be more sustainable. They’ll do that through innovation and introducing new products that fit every climate and every farming system.

In fact, the company takes a “practice what you preach” approach to reducing their carbon footprint. Not only do they adhere to the three R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—but they also work with universities, farmers, manufacturers and other partners to find a more suitable alternative to plastic. They know it’s unfair to ask others to participate in something they themselves do not do, so Silostop Agri has committed to reducing their carbon footprint and aims to be net zero by 2025. From products to people, including utilizing a hybrid work method and energy efficient offices, they are working to slow the damage being done by climate chan

At Silostop Agri we are committed to a sustainable future and to improving the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the community we work in. By continuing to work closely with our supply chain we will endeavor to offer farmers sustainable solutions to enhance their operations and support their businesses, big or small.” – Tim Brewer, Silostop Agri CEO

For more information on Silostop Agri, please visit silostop.com

 

How the U.S. Ag Industry is Truly Growing a Climate for Tomorrow

 For 50 years, National Ag Day has recognized and celebrated the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. And for the past two years, it has focused those efforts around the theme of Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.

You may be asking yourself: What does that mean? How is our nation’s ag industry Growing a Climate for Tomorrow? Why should I care?

Agriculture truly impacts us all. Yes, it provides the food you eat and the clothes you wear. But it also supports local communities, drives our global economy, creates new careers and so much more. That is why everyone in agriculture – from the farmers in the fields to the data scientists driving innovation – continually work together to improve the industry. So we can all see a better tomorrow. This has been a goal for decades.

As an agri-marketing agency, Paulsen works alongside many amazing innovators in agriculture. We’d like to share some ways we personally see our nation’s ag industry Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.

Sustainability in agriculture

Part of Growing a Climate for Tomorrow is taking care of our natural resources today. That is something America’s farmers and ranchers have done for decades. Today, they continue to lead the way. In fact, the American Farm Bureau Federation reports that U.S. agriculture contributes just 10% to overall greenhouse gas emissions. That is far less than other major industries. They also play an active role enhancing and absorbing carbon.

Some sustainable practices farmers and ranchers use to protect our soil, water and air include:

• Planting cover crops
• Grazing livestock rotationally
• Using crop rotation
• Conservation tillage like no-till or strip-till

The use of fertilizer has also dramatically decreased. Today, America’s farmers use about 50% less fertilizer to produce a bushel of corn, wheat or soybeans than they did in 1980.

Sustainable farming helps care for the world we all call home. It also ensures that the next generation of farmers and ranchers have the resources they need for raising crops and livestock for a growing world population. 

The impact of science and technology

Thanks to innovation and technology, today’s farmers can do more with less. According to Farm Bureau, U.S. agriculture would have needed nearly 100 million more acres 30 years ago to match today’s production levels.

One thing helping farmers greatly improve their efficiency is precision ag. Today’s farm equipment comes with software, GPS, sensors and mapping software. This advanced technology helps farmers optimize every acre.

Automation is also here. We have seen the introduction of robotic milking, automated feeding systems, auto-driving tractors, crop-scouting drones, automated irrigation, see-and-spray weed systems and more.

Thanks to science, we have also seen seed genetics improve. Using things like genetic engineering and genome sequencing, scientists can create seed that is more resilient and adapted to specific growing conditions. This allows farmers to produce higher yields.

Using agricultural products in new ways

Throughout the years we have seen the innovative use of agricultural commodities. For example, biofuels. Corn and soybeans are used to create an alternative to fossil fuels, reducing our carbon footprint and helping move transportation fuels toward net zero emissions. Plus, corn is now being used to make sustainable aviation fuel.

Some other creative uses include:

• Plant-based plastics (made from things like corn and sugarcane) are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic.
• Animal feed from corn stalks and soy meal help reduce food waste and increase ag sustainability.
• Various new uses for soybeans including soy-based crayons, shoes, tires and turf.
• Renewable energy created via methane digesters. These systems turn cow manure into renewable natural gas.

In fact, farms and ranches already embrace a variety of clean energy sources. Farm Bureau reports that in the last five years, farmers and ranchers have put in 132% more renewable energy sources including geothermal, solar, panels, windmills, hydro systems and methane digesters.

Impacts off the farm

These changes to agricultural production are driving careers beyond farming. According to the USDA, 21.1 million jobs in the U.S. in 2021 were related to agriculture and food. But only 1.3% of those jobs were direct on-farm employment.

And as agriculture evolves, so do the careers around it. There are careers related to agriculture today that did not exist 15 to 20 years ago. Some of those jobs include:

• Precision ag specialist
• Software engineering and IT
• Data scientist and data analyst
• Urban farming, vertical farming and hydroponic farming

As the ag industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, it is likely new career opportunities will keep emerging.

So there you have it! Our ag industry is doing amazing things that are truly Growing a Climate for Tomorrow. From sustainable farming practices to cutting-edge technology, agriculture is constantly evolving and making a positive impact on our world. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

 

 

This essay is a merit winner in the 2023 Ag Day Essay Contest.  Visit www.agday.org for more details on National Ag Day.

Elsha Valluru: Highland Village, Texas

Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day

American agriculture is a critical aspect of our nation's economy,  providing food and fiber for millions of people. In addition  to producing these essentials, farmers are also tasked with preserving the health and well-being of the environment for future generations. With the threat of climate change becoming increasingly prevalent, American agriculture has taken it upon itself  to help lead the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of a changing climate.

One of the ways  American agriculture is doing this is through the use of innovative and sustainable farming practices. For example, farmers are using precision agriculture techniques to precisely apply fertilizer and reduce excess nitrogen runoff, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. They are also practicing conservation tillage, which helps  to reduce soil erosion and conserve water resources, while also sequestering carbon in the soil. In addition,  farmers are turning to renewable energy sources, such  as wind and solar power, to meet their energy needs,  reducing their carbon footprint and helping to fight climate change.

Another key way American agriculture is helping to grow a climate for tomorrow is through the development and implementation of new technologies. For instance, genetically modified crops have been developed that are more resistant to drought and other weather-related stressors, allowing farmers to produce more food with less resources. Additionally, new technologies, such  as vertical farming, are being  developed to produce fresh produce in controlled, indoor environments, reducing the impact of traditional agriculture on the environment.

Moreover, American agriculture is also working to educate the public on the importance of sustainable agriculture. Farmers and agriculture organizations are partnering with schools and communities to provide educational opportunities on sustainable farming practices, and to highlight the role that agriculture plays in mitigating the effects of climate change. By working together, farmers and consumers can ensure that the food we eat is grown in a way that is both nutritious and sustainable.

In conclusion, American agriculture is leading the way in growing  a climate for tomorrow by implementing innovative and sustainable farming practices, developing new technologies, and educating the public on the importance of sustainable agriculture. By working together, we can ensure that the food we eat is produced in a way that not only sustains us, but also protects the planet for future generations. With a commitment to sustainability and innovative thinking, American agriculture will continue to play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a healthy and vibrant future for all.

 

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.

 

This essay is a merit winner in the 2023 Ag Day Essay Contest.  Visit www.agday.org for more details on National Ag Day.

Libby Ramge
Marysville, Ohio

Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day

Our lives depend on the success of our harvests. Every living thing in this world depends on the fuel our industry is creating for them. Agriculturalists are among the nation's most caring stewards of the environment while being faced with the monstrous task of feeding the world. Over the past century, the average surface temperature has increased by almost 2°F (Effects of Global, n.d.). Temperatures aren't the only thing suffering from climate change. There is a projected increase in precipitation intensity, projected decrease in soil moisture, projected increase in dry spells and hot days. As you can imagine, these effects impede agriculture’s ability to efficiently feed the world. The climate is changing faster than the farmers, plants, and animals can adapt to it. So, as agriculturalists, every day we focus on how to be better towards the environment.

Our FFA Chapter toured MVP Dairy on the way to the National Convention. They’re a dairy farm valuing their cow’s welfare and sustainable practices. I was exploring their website and found MVP spends time evaluating their farm and creates yearly EcoReports to measure their carbon footprint. This farm is almost break-even with its emission inputs and outputs and will be there within a few years (MVP Dairy, Regenerative farming). The operators of this farm have focused attention on being carbon positive because of the passion and importance they have found in this topic. MVP is not the only farm looking to the future. Farmers all across the world are investing in efficiency. And with education and resources provided by governmental agencies, more farmers are moving towards sustainable practices.

You see agriculturalists all the time managing biodiversity, reducing erosion, building soil quality, protecting water sources, and storing carbon. And farmers aren't the only agriculturalists. There are engineers, finding ways to design sustainable equipment. There are teachers, who are teaching future generations about how they can help. And there are professional agriculturalists, who know the ins and outs of either agronomy, soil, or conservation planning. Agriculturalists also include anyone who is advocating for agriculture and a sustainable future.

Agriculturalists are among some of the proudest environmental stewards. We want a world that can sustain future generations, and it is our job to make that possible. With a sustainable environment, we can continue feeding the world, caring for the land, and educating consumers.

2023 National Ag Day Essay Contest Winners Announced

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2023 National Ag Day video and written essay winners.  The winners were chosen based on the theme:  Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day.  Entrants chose to either write an essay or create a video.  

The national written essay winner, Timothy Hill of Orlando, Florida, receives a $1,000 prize and will read his winning essay at the virtual Ag Day event on March 21, 2023. The contest also named three merit winners who receive $100 and blog posts featuring their essays. They are Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas.  This year’s video essay winner, Olivia Lee of Aliso Viejo, California, wins a $1,000 prize.  The winning entries can be viewed online at https://www.agday.org/2023-contest-winners.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Farm Progress and Successful Farming.

Celebrating 50 years, National Ag Day encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industry.

Learn more and register for events at agday.org.

A Golden Opportunity to Say Thanks

Karen Jones, GROWMARK Youth and Young Producer Specialist 

The year was 1973. The Sears Tower in Chicago was completed as the world’s tallest building. “The Godfather” won Best Picture, “The Young and the Restless” debuted on television, and Secretariat won the Triple Crown, becoming one of only 13 horses in history to achieve that honor.

In the half century since, much has changed. The Sears Tower is no longer the world’s tallest building, and it’s now called the Willis Tower. Other horses have won the Triple Crown, other movies have won Best Picture – but “The Young and the Restless” is still cranking out new shows on CBS.

Of greater importance to me, in 1973, my dad was a junior in high school, already farming corn and soybeans with my grandpa and raising hogs. Much has changed for him as well, but not his life’s work. As the senior generation now on our family farm, he still wakes up every day with a purpose and a passion for producing food, feed, and fuel for America and beyond.

Those of us who work in agriculture understand that what we have is not only a profession, but truly a lifestyle. The old advice to “choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life” could have been written about our industry, because the long hours, dirty jobs, uncertain finances, and reliance on so many things out of our control probably seem foolish to the 90% of Americans who don’t farm or work to support the industry – but for us, we couldn’t imagine any other life.

1973 also saw the first celebration of National Ag Day, an opportunity to help bring the importance of agriculture forward to millions who may not realize where their groceries and clothing actually come from. The opportunity to educate and share agriculture’s message on the national stage for 50 years has no doubt influenced generations past, present, and future.

The theme “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow” couldn’t be more fitting as change continues to move our industry forward. Technology not even invented in 1973 is now standard use, and companies are continuing to innovate to make farming more productive and profitable, to sustain a growing world population. For example, GROWMARK, the company I work for, has created a partnership called Cooperative Ventures to vet start-ups in the ag space, and we’ve already funded several exciting businesses that have great potential.

As we celebrate the golden anniversary of National Ag Day, I hope we each take the golden opportunity to say thank you to the famers who are hands-on with their crops and livestock, those who work in the ag industry to support them, and to the dreamers who will continue to push agriculture forward in the years to come.