Dear editor:

March 18, 2025 marks National Agriculture Day. This is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America recognize and celebrate the abundant production of commodities provided by United States agriculture.

The first Ag Day was observed on the first day of spring on March 21, 1973.  I truly believe America has been blessed by our loving God who works in partnership with farmers to provide food, fiber, clothing and shelter for our growing country and abroad.

The world population will reach 9 billion by 2050!  And there will be millions of new mouths to feed, many of whom rely on United States food production. According to the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), one-fourth of the world’s beef and nearly one-fifth of the world’s grain, milk and eggs are produced by American farmers. One farmer produces enough food for 166 people. In these difficult economic times, U.S. agriculture feeds the American people while adding $1.5 trillion to the United States economy. 

As farmers, Rick and I are always eager to keep up with new techniques to improve our farming practices.  Using modern technology has boosted our crop yields and reduced waste. Farmers use satellite maps and computers to match seed, fertilizer and crop protection applications to local soil conditions. No one is more committed to protect the land than the American farmer.

The U.S. agricultural sector extends beyond the farm business to include a range of farm-related industries. In sum, agriculture, food and related industries contribute 5.5% to the U.S. gross domestic product and provide 10.4% of U.S. employment. U.S. consumer expenditures on food amount to 12.9% of household budgets on average. Among federal government expenditures on farm and food programs, nutrition assistance far outpaces other programs.

A prime example of employment opportunities is America’s sugar beet and sugar cane industry. The U.S. sugar industry provides 142,000 direct and indirect jobs, with almost $20 billion in economic impact in our nation. And it operates at no cost to our government.

The history of agriculture goes back to the birth of America. George Washington, the father of our nation, suggested to Congress the establishment of a National Board of Agriculture in 1799. Agriculture was the stepping stone which our young nation needed to start. In the 1800s, the average annual value of agricultural exports was $23 million, which accounted for 75% of total exports. Today agriculture contributes over $1.5 trillion to our economy. 

U.S. agriculture should not be compromised. It is the cornerstone of our culture and our financial system. Over 22 million jobs are related directly to agriculture. American farmers contribute more than $170 billion in renewable wealth annually. Believe me when I say that no foreign country will provide the safe, bountiful and affordable food like our own American farmers to feed United States military, our seniors, our children and all American citizens.

The farm family continues to be the basic unit shaping life in America. As Congress considers the upcoming Farm Bill, U.S. agriculture must be treated as one united industry. We must make sure all producers are treated fairly. It is because of our farmers that America is the food basket of the world.

Klodette Stroh

Powell

National Sugar Chairman for Women Involved in Farm Economics