Carbondale Reporter

In a March 21 Facebook post, Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) marked National Ag Day.

“Happy National Ag Day to the Illinois ag community including the farm families, workers, educators, businesses, and all who keep the industry healthy and growing,” he said.

In a blog post for the Farm Bureau, Isabella Chism wrote about National Ag Day.

“On this day we celebrate American agriculture and our farm and ranch families who take great pride in growing a safe, sustainable food supply," she wrote. "We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much 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."

The Agriculture Council of America organizes National Ag Day events each year. The organization recently named the winners of its essay contest.

 "The national written essay first place winner for 2023 is Timothy Hill of Orlando, Florida. He will receive a $1,000 prize and recognition during the virtual Ag Day event on March 21, 2023," the council posted. "The contest also named three merit winners who will receive $100 and will have their essays featured in the Ag Day Blog. They are: Sophie Griswold, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Libby Ramge, Marysville, Ohio, Elsha Valluru, Highland Village, Texas."

The Illinois Farm Bureau reports Illinois has approximately 482,000 agriculture and related jobs.

An article by Illinois Farm Bureau Partners, written for National Ag Day, notes that "Families own and operate an overwhelming 96% of Illinois farms, a statistic worth recognizing in this season that honors National Agriculture Day, on or near the first day of spring each year. That means families, not corporations, make most decisions about how we grow food, feed and fuel. By nature, farmers problem-solve on and off the farm with the passionate intent to make a difference. In rural towns across Illinois, farmers serve as Sunday school teachers, 4-H leaders, sports coaches, school volunteers and FFA supporters. Farm shops host community gatherings, and farmers pool their unique resources to meet needs. A few years ago, farm families in our community provided the equipment and skilled labor necessary to erect a park playground, a volunteer effort that even the governor recognized and awarded. The value and impact of Illinois agriculture extends beyond the state and even nation’s borders."