Celebrating National Agriculture Day
“I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman’s cares.” – President George Washington
Famers and ranchers are the backbone of America. They work sunup to sundown to provide us with the most affordable, abundant, and safest food supply in the world – all while helping to tackle climate change and improve land management, soil health, and water conservation practices.
Today, on National Agriculture Day, we recognize and thank all our farmers and ranchers for the many ways they touch and improve our lives.
Everyone needs farmers. No farmers, no food.
We need farmers, and farmers need our support in managing the many dangers and risks that come with their noble – but unpredictable – profession. That’s why American voters have asked Congress to support family farmers by passing a Farm Bill that protects, preserves, and improves crop insurance.
Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net, protecting more than 540 million acres across all 50 states, as well as 136 crops and 604 varieties with 36 different plans of insurance. It’s an affordable and reliable risk-management tool that helps family farms survive disasters so they can continue growing our food and fiber, supporting our food security, and contributing to our economy.
“If it wasn’t for Federal crop insurance, I wouldn’t be the sixth generation to farm my family’s farm in Sumner County, and there’s probably no chance that the seventh generation that’s at home right now would be able to take over.” — Craig Meeker, National Sorghum Producers
National Crop Insurance Services has fostered relationships with the very men and women who feed and clothe us, traveling across the country to speak with farmers and learn about their unique farming operations. Farmers like Marshal Cahall, who grows conventional and organic crops on just over 2,000 acres in Kent County, Maryland.
And farmers like Shelly Hartmann, who is passionate about growing the best blueberries in the country on her farm in Grand Junction, Michigan. “The thing I love about blueberries is that it’s nature’s perfect fruit.”
Watch more real stories from real farmers, crop insurance agents, and crop insurance adjusters on YouTube, and listen to the five-minute monthly Keep America Growing podcast to stay up to date on all things crop insurance.
Thank you to all America’s farmers and ranchers. Today, and every day.