2026 National Ag Day Essay Contest Winners Announced

 

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2026 National Ag Day video winners.  The winners were chosen based on the theme: American Agriculture: Imagining the Next 250 Years.

 

The first-place winner, Amayel Guiro from Lafayette, California, receives a $1,500 prize. The second-place winner, Claire Titus from West Greenwich, Rhode Island, will receive $1,000. Angelina Chow from Los Angeles, California is the third-place winner, and she receives $500. All three winning entries will be played during the Ag Day event at USDA on National Ag Day, March 24.  All three winning entries can be viewed online at https://www.agday.org/2026-contest-winners

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

 

In its 53^nd year, 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.

 

###

 

 

Together We Grow: Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 24, 2026, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Together We Grow.”  Ag Day 2026 also celebrates 250 years of progress in agriculture.

Activities planned for March 24 feature in-person events in Washington DC. A core leadership team of college students will participate in the DC events, along with representatives of national farm and commodity organizations, representatives of the food, fuel, and fiber communities.

Jenny Pickett, ACA President says students from AFA, 4-H, FFA and Tribal Agriculture Fellowship will participate in National Ag Day. “Students are interested in advocating on behalf of agriculture and their future roles in the industry. Their participation in National Ag Day activities provides a glimpse of the future of agriculture. It’s exciting to learn from the students what they think agriculture will be like in the years ahead, and how their involvement will shape the industry and America as a whole.”

“More and more, students and individuals are finding careers in agriculture. The industry needs scientists, biologists, food safety technicians, livestock nutrition specialists, arborists, conservationists – one doesn’t have to be a farmer or have a direct on-farm job to be involved in the agriculture industry,” Pickett says.

2026 National Ag Day marks the 53^rd year of the nationwide effort to share real stories of American agriculture, and remind citizens that agriculture affects everyone. “From the food we eat and the fuel for our vehicles, to the fiber in the clothes we wear, and the oil used to make kids’ crayons, agriculture touches everyone in some way,” Pickett says.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food, fiber, and fuel 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.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

In addition to the events on March 24, Ag Day offers the Ag Day Essay Contest. Interested students would create video essays on the topic of American Agriculture – Imagining the next 250 years. The winning video essay will be presented on National Ag Day.

Sponsorship opportunities for Ag Day 2026 are available.  Visit www.agday.org for more information, or contact Pickett at jennyp@nama.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities, or with any additional questions.

About Agriculture Council of America

Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, organizes the annual activities which are part of a national effort to increase the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

 

 

Together, We Grow: Innovating for a More Resilient Future

Submitted by Corteva

On National Ag Day, we celebrate the people who work every day to feed, fuel and sustain a growing world. After all, farmers have one of the toughest—and most important—jobs in the world. With the global population surpassing 8 billion, the need for sustainable, efficient and resilient agricultural solutions has never been greater.

This year’s theme, “Together, We Grow,” highlights the collective effort required to overcome the challenges facing agriculture today. Feeding a growing world isn’t just about producing more—it’s about doing so in smarter, more sustainable ways. From extreme weather to pests and diseases that are becoming more resistant – food is becoming harder to grow, and arable land remains limited. Farmers have a long history of producing more with less. In fact, corn yields in the US today are around 8 times more than a hundred years ago. However, addressing today’s challenges requires bold thinking, cutting-edge technology and collaboration across the entire food system.

At Corteva, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we invest in new ways to help farmers increase productivity while using resources more efficiently. Advances in biological solutions are improving soil health and boosting crop resilience, while next-generation crop protection technologies are helping farmers tackle pests, weeds and diseases with greater precision. Gene editing is unlocking the potential of crops to thrive in changing environments, and breakthroughs in hybrid wheat are expanding yield potential, while using roughly the same amount of land. At the same time, we are working to expand global energy supplies by providing new options for crops that can be used as renewable energy solutions.

This commitment to innovation isn’t just about developing new products—it’s about ensuring farmers have the tools they need to grow more with less, now and for the future.

With nearly a century of agronomic expertise, the longest continuously running seed breeding program in the world, and a daily investment of millions of dollars in research and development, we’re focused on delivering solutions that make agriculture more productive and more resilient.

But no one can do this alone. The future of agriculture depends on the collaboration—between farmers, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers. National Ag Day is a moment to recognize the collective effort that makes progress possible and to celebrate the people who work every day to feed and fuel our world. Because together, we grow.   

 

 

After a Trip to Washington State, Blueberry Yogurt Will Never Be the Same

Submitted by Paulsen 

After our summer vacation, my family will never look at blueberry yogurt the same way again.

As a Midwest farm kid and ag communicator, I feel confident in a pair of work boots, standing in a pen of beef cattle, or discussing corn fertilizer and value-added soybeans. But an agriculture tour in Washington state opened my eyes to just how vast and varied farming can be.

It also gave me a rare chance to see agriculture through the eyes of an unknowing consumer. Standing in a blueberry field, watching machines shake fruit from bushes, I realized—if I, someone immersed in agriculture, still had so much to learn about different types of farming, how much more could consumers gain by knowing the farmers behind their food?

 

Farming Is a Business, But No Two Are Alike

Consider this: farmers are some of the hardest-working, smartest business owners in the country. They don’t just plant and harvest; they make decisions like CEOs—managing risk, forecasting markets, investing in technology and ensuring sustainability, all while keeping their family and legacy at the heart of it.

But just like no two businesses are exactly the same, no two farms are either. The skills, challenges and expertise of a dairy farmer are completely different from those of a wheat grower or a berry producer.

A potato farmer in Idaho isn’t automatically an expert on a cranberry bog in Wisconsin. A wheat grower in Kansas might not know the first thing about running a 1,000-cow dairy in California.

It would be like asking a brain surgeon to perform a root canal—both are medical professionals, but their expertise is worlds apart. Or like putting a NASCAR driver behind the controls of a Boeing 747—sure, they both move fast, but the skill sets are completely different.

Lessons from the Pacific Northwest

Every morning for the past year, our three-year-old has started his day with the same thing—blueberry yogurt. After our trip to Washington, that simple cup of yogurt has taken on a whole new meaning in our house.

During our vacation, we connected with a dairy farmer in northwest Washington. He showed us his family’s 750 head cow operation and obliged my Iowa curiosity. But his farm was just the start. As he drove us around his county in his truck, we saw potato fields, haylage being made for feed, a neighbor’s multi-million-dollar robotic milking barn and endless acres of raspberries and blueberries.

In Iowa, farming is mostly corn and soybeans. Here, it was a patchwork of different crops and livestock, each farmer an expert in their own piece of the puzzle.

From Farm to Yogurt Cup

Standing at the edge of 1,000 acres of blueberries, we watched machines shake berries from the bushes—a far different harvest scene than I’m used to with grain carts and combines. My toddler tried to eat his weight in fresh berries, but most were headed for a much bigger journey. From field to processor, they’d be sorted, frozen, dipped in chocolate, or turned into the fruit mix that ends up at the bottom of his yogurt cup.

A few miles down the road, we toured a dairy farm where 1,250 cows were milked by robotic systems—no staff tirelessly manning the milkers, just a quiet, steady rhythm of cows walking in to be milked. That milk, like the blueberries, had its own journey—processed, transported, and eventually blended into that morning yogurt.

Seeing it all firsthand makes breakfast feel different now. That yogurt isn’t just yogurt—it’s the result of specialized farms, expert farmers and countless steps along the way.

Agriculture Is Everywhere—But It’s Never the Same

Farmers may face similar challenges—labor shortages, market demands, technological shifts—but the way they farm is unique to their land, climate and customers.

At Paulsen, we’ve worked with all kinds of producers—row crop farmers, dairy and livestock producers, pecan growers, even crop innovators. Agriculture isn’t one story—it’s thousands of stories, all woven together to feed, fuel and clothe the world.

So, the next time you open a cup of blueberry yogurt, take a second to appreciate the people behind it. A farmer made that happen. And while their farm may look nothing like the one down the road—or in another state—every farmer deserves to be celebrated today and every day.

Happy Ag Day!

 

 

 

National Ag Day Set for March 18, 2025

(Leawood, KS, November 19, 2024) – The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 18, 2025, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Together We Grow.”

Activities planned for March 18 feature a virtual Ag Day program, and in-person events in Washington DC. A core leadership team of college students will participate in the DC events, along with representatives of national farm and commodity organizations, representatives of the food, fuel, and fiber communities.

Jenny Pickett, ACA President says students from AFA, 4-H, FFA, and MANNRS participated in 2024 National Ag Day. “Students are interested in advocating on behalf of agriculture and their future roles in the industry. Their participation in National Ag Day activities provides a glimpse of the future of agriculture. It’s exciting to learn from the students what they think agriculture will be like in the years ahead, and how their involvement will shape the industry and America as a whole.”

“More and more, students and individuals are finding careers in agriculture. The industry needs scientists, biologists, food safety technicians, livestock nutrition specialists, arborists, conservationists – one doesn’t have to be a farmer or have a direct on-farm job to be involved in the agriculture industry,” Pickett says.

2025 National Ag Day marks the 52^nd year of the nationwide effort to share real stories of American agriculture, and remind citizens that agriculture affects everyone. “From the food we eat and the fuel for our vehicles, to the fiber in the clothes we wear, and the oil used to make kids’ crayons, agriculture touches everyone in some way,” Pickett says.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

Understand how food, fiber, and fuel 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

Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

In addition to the events on March 18, the ACA will offer the Ag Day Essay Contest. Interested students would create video essays on the topic of Food Security = National Security. The winning video essay will be presented on National Ag Day.

Sponsorship opportunities for Ag Day 2025 are available.  Visit www.agday.org for more information, or contact Pickett to discuss sponsorship opportunities, or with any additional questions.

About Agriculture Council of America

Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, organizes the annual activities which are part of a national effort to increase the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

Contact:

Jennifer Pickett

jennyp@nama.org

(913) 491-1895

 

 

 

Growing tomorrow’s agriculture climate is built on years of trust
 

Trust is what makes up the foundation of our nation’s reliance on farmers. They are trusted to grow and nurture high-quality products, 365 days each year. National Ag Day provides the opportunity to reflect on that trust we place in our farmers and appreciate the work that often goes without praise.

Their hard work is built on an even deeper trust in the information they consume that helps them become more efficient and confident in the work they do. Farm Progress strives to strengthen that trust each day through the accurate and readily available information its team constantly shares with our nation’s farmers and agricultural professionals.

A history of building trust

Farm Progress has worked to build lasting relationships with its audience through a variety of publications, events and social media channels. The company is composed of 18 total brands, five annual events, 44 editors and a combined 750 years of experience. That experience lends itself to a fair and unbiased brand that seeks to do right by their audience of farmers and ag professionals.

As agriculture has faced some vast changes over the years, Farm Progress has worked to stay ahead of those changes and keep their audience informed. This includes adjusting to new formats and information channels that best fit our audience’s needs. Recently, Farm Progress launched the “FP Next” podcast to help listeners stay up to date while navigating their busy schedules.

Trust would not be possible without this commitment to keeping up with changes and finding new ways to fill gaps. That trust is something that Farm Progress has awarded a high value.

Tomorrow’s agriculture climate

Change is inevitable, and Farm Progress will continue to match the needs of our farmer audience as they cultivate tomorrow’s agriculture climate. It is hard to imagine how that future climate will look, but that picture becomes clearer through the dedication of Farm Progress’ team.

A quick browse through one of the brand websites shows just a sampling of the wide range of agricultural topics that are top of mind for the company’s skilled editors. Livestock care, farm succession planning, soil conservation practices and new technology are just a handful of the topics covered daily across the brands. With every corner of agriculture being touched on regularly, our farmer audience is guaranteed to have the information they need to make informed decisions when they need it.

Making decisions will not get any easier as agriculture continues to evolve; there is no right answer to the abundance of questions that swirl through producers’ minds every minute of every day. Outside influences and potential backlash only add to the confusion and difficulty that come with navigating a changing agriculture climate.

Farm Progress works to break down those tough issues and make matters simpler. And the brand continues to nurture the trust it has built over the years and through the constantly changing agriculture climate. No matter what the future climate looks like, farmers and agriculture professionals can continue to fall back on the decades-long relationship with Farm Progress.

While National Ag Day only falls once a year, Farm Progress recognizes that appreciation for our nation’s farmers is due every day, and that appreciation will continue to shine through the company’s work in today’s and tomorrow’s agriculture climate.

Today’s farmers use both innovation and stewardship to meet growing global demand

By Bill Belzer

Bill, Gary and Jacob Belzer at Belzer Farms, south central Iowa. 

As we celebrate National Ag Day, it is an opportunity to recognize America’s farmers not only for the amount of food, feed, fuel and fiber they produce, but also for how they produce it.

For decades, agricultural innovations have driven increases in productivity, efficiency and quality of the crops and livestock that farmers grow. Along with those increases, farmer commitments to stewardship of those technologies, land and water resources, crops and animals, and their communities have also grown.

In my role at Corteva Agriscience, I am honored to work with team members around the world to help farmers responsibly and effectively use the seed, crop protection and other product innovations we bring to the marketplace to increase production and protect our natural resources. I am also proud to be the third generation of an Iowa farm family. My father and grandfather raised corn and soybeans on our family’s farm, and now as my son, Jacob, and I are actively farming, we have been able to see the positive impacts of innovation over the years.

A soil conservation plan from 1947 from my grandparents’ original family farm showed that the actual yield of open pollinated varieties of corn was 30 bushels per acre, with a goal to raise 67 bushels per acre in 1948 by adopting double-cross hybrid corn. That’s more than doubling production by adopting hybrid corn technology! As time passed, my parents acquired land across the county. In the 1970’s, my father’s goal was to raise 125-bushel per acre corn and that grew to 150 bushels per acre in the 1980s. Over the next two decades, our average yields continued to improve as we adopted new technology and genetics, seeing our farm yields grow well beyond the 200 bushels per acre mark.

That increase in productivity mirrors average yields across the United States, driven by improved seed genetics, management practices, and inputs to improve fertility and control weeds, insects and diseases. In fact, the corn seed we’ve planted in recent years are hybrids that include multiple biotech traits that protect against insects and provide herbicide tolerance. These hybrids also feature in-the-bag refuge seed (a product innovation that I helped launch in the early 2010s) to ensure we are meeting our refuge requirements, which ultimately protects the long-term effectiveness of Bt technology.  In addition to increasing our yields, my sons and I have expanded the soil conservation methods that my grandfather began years ago to include terraces, tiling, buffer strips and reduced and no till practices.

It is abundantly clear that farmers are the original and the best stewards of our natural resources. As farmers face ever-changing challenges from weather, pests, and disease, our team of researchers, agronomists and more are focused on delivering innovative solutions. And, as the world’s population and demand for food continues to grow, so does the need for stewardship to help farmers succeed, protect the environment and ensure that our communities thrive. That’s why Corteva continues to work side-by-side with farmers to provide seed products and management recommendations to help farmers be more sustainable and productive.

Let’s celebrate the role of farmers and our agriculture industry in feeding, fueling a growing world population, protecting our land, water and air resources, and building strong, vibrant communities on National Ag Day and every day!

Bill Belzer is the global stewardship leader for Corteva Agriscience, based in Johnston, Iowa. He has responsibility for the company’s global product stewardship and regulatory compliance activities.

 

On This National Ag Day, Let's Celebrate Farmers' Capacity To Provide Food AND Fuel

contributed by Paulsen

We celebrate National Ag Day this year on Tuesday, March 19, to honor farmers, ranchers and other individuals who help move the agricultural industry forward. Our way of life is made possible by their hard work and ingenuity. Setting aside a day each year to thank the women and men who make this happen is the least we can do.

As a marketing and communications agency committed to working in agriculture, we at Paulsen have the privilege of working directly with some of these folks within the industry on a daily basis. Hearing their perspectives on agriculture and some of the biggest challenges they face is always enlightening and helps inform the work we do.

Agriculture provides food for the world

The role farmers and ranchers play within our food supply chain is well-documented and, if not universally acknowledged, universally accepted at the very least. Phrases such as “no farmers, no food” and “farmers feed the world” have become cliche sayings that are all too often brushed aside, for sure, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t true.

In fact, remove any part of the supply chain — farmers and ranchers, on-farm labor, processors, transport and delivery, retailers, grocers, etc. — and you’ll experience significant, life-altering consequences. We experienced this rather acutely during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic: food scarcity, hyperinflation and a handful of other ripple effects threatened our collective well-being due to food supply chain disruptions.

Doing what we can today to advocate for and work toward supporting the agricultural industry and the people who propel it is critical to our future.

Fueling a more sustainable future

It's fair to say that biofuels have radically changed the landscape of farming. The demand for ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel has grown from a small percentage of total agricultural output in the U.S. — and around the world, for that matter — to a far greater piece of the pie over the past 25 years.

In 2000, USDA calculated biofuel production at 4.8 billion gallons annually, representing just 3 percent of the world's fuel supply used in transportation. That figure has grown significantly, reaching a staggering 23 billion gallons per year produced worldwide in 2023. Projections have biofuel production growing even more in coming years due to policy initiatives and market demand for cleaner energy.

When we talk about the environmental impact of farming, the pro-agriculture narrative has largely focused on stewardship efforts such as soil management, mitigating runoff, growing cover crops, and carbon capture. Our farmers have adopted countless practices that improve soil, water and air quality, and that's a story worth telling. However, agriculture's leading role in ensuring an energy-secure and sustainable future through the production of biofuels cannot be overstated.

It's time to reframe the food versus fuel debate

In recent years, many voices have emerged to question whether our agricultural system diverts too much of its resources toward producing biofuels. This line of questioning has appealed to both climate change skeptics on the right and left-leaning environmental progressives — unlikely marriage that it is — amplifying the so-called food versus fuel debate.

But here’s the reality: Our farmers and ranchers have the capacity, drive and determination to do both. They can sustain a growing global population’s dietary needs while simultaneously providing the feedstock needed to drive biofuel production and provide an alternative to sole petroleum dependence. Consider the following rationale:

●        Ag production levels are at an all-time high

Farmers are far more productive than they were a generation ago. Improvements in precision technology, seed genetics, pest management and agronomic practices have led to increased crop yields over time. Animal agriculture has also become far more efficient (more on that in the section below).

●        This isn't entirely an either/or scenario

When grain is processed for biofuel production, much of it is still utilized to put food on our tables. Coproducts such as Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGs), protein-rich cakes/meals and glycerol factor significantly in livestock rations and help maintain our global food supply chain. Furthermore, developments in animal agriculture — including methane digesters on beef and dairy operations — have begun creating a strong inroads into the energy sector, too.

●        Biofuels don't drive food cost increases

It is tempting to pin high prices at the grocery store on grain markets, thereby concluding that biofuel growth has a direct impact on what you pay for a pound of beef. In reality, food costs are far more susceptible to change due to other factors — supply chain disruptions, animal disease, geopolitical conflict and drought — than as a result of biofuel demand.

The next time you hear the food versus fuel debate arise, keep these proof points in mind and know that our farmers and ranchers have long succeeded in providing both.

Celebrate National Ag Day the best way you can

The earliest known agricultural practices emerged 12,000 years ago. Much has changed in the way we grow crops, raise livestock and deliver food from farm to table since then, and we'll continue to witness its evolution as we move forward. But let's take a moment on National Ag Day to pause and celebrate the contributions of all who comprise our ag industry.

 

 

National Ag Day March 19, 2024

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 19, 2024, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”

Activities planned for March 19 feature a virtual Ag Day program, and in-person events in Washington DC. ACA will invite students to interact virtually with legislators and agency representatives, delivering the Ag Day message. A core leadership team of college students will participate in the DC events, along with representatives of national farm and commodity organizations, representatives of the food, fuel, and fiber communities.

Jenny Pickett, ACA President says students from AFA, 4-H, FFA, and MANNRS participated in 2023 National Ag Day. “Students are interested in advocating on behalf of agriculture and their future roles in the industry. Their participation in National Ag Day activities provides a glimpse of the future of agriculture. It’s exciting to learn from the students what they think agriculture will be like in the years ahead, and how their involvement will shape the industry and America as a whole.”

According to USDA Economic Research Service* more than 22 million full- and part-time jobs were related to the agricultural and food sector, or roughly 10 percent of all US employment. On-farm jobs represented about 2.6 million jobs, or a little over one percent of US employment. Take that a step further, agriculture- and food-related jobs totaled more than 19 million.

“More and more, students and individuals are finding careers in agriculture. The industry needs scientists, biologists, food safety technicians, livestock nutrition specialists, arborists, conservationists – one doesn’t have to be a farmer or have a direct on-farm job to be involved in the agriculture industry,” Pickett says.

2024 National Ag Day marks the 51^st year of the nationwide effort to share real stories of American agriculture, and remind citizens that agriculture affects everyone. “From the food we eat and the fuel for our vehicles, to the fiber in the clothes we wear, and the oil used to make kids’ crayons, agriculture touches everyone in some way,” Pickett says.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food, fiber, and fuel 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.
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

About Agriculture Council of America

Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, organizes the annual activities which are part of a national effort to increase the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

 

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.