American Agriculture: One of the many things to be thankful for

As Americans sit down this Thursday for a bountiful feast, let’s remind each other of the many things we have to be thankful for. We are truly blessed in so many ways that most of us take for granted like our countries food production.

The United States of America has the safest, most inexpensive, nutritious and bountiful food supply in the world, and we have the American agricultural system to thank for it. From the field to your fork, farmers, merchandisers, inspectors, truck drivers, grocery store clerks, etc all play a vital role in providing the food we depend on each and every day.

American agriculture is safe, sustainable and more productive today than ever before. Agriculture continues to meet the nutrition demands of a continuously growing population by adapting new techniques like precision agriculture and products like genetically modified seeds. These practices are allowing America’s farmers to grow more while using less land, chemical and energy to produce continuously abundant crops that meet domestic demands.

Despite the fact that we are efficient and productive at raising food, a good portion of the planet is still hungry, including families right here in South Dakota. The modern U.S. food system has a social responsibility to use its knowledge and technology to solve problems. Those technologies will be vital in feeding future populations that will increase 70% by the year 2050.

So challenge yourself this Thanksgiving by thinking about where each of the menu items originated from and the work that went into producing the turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and cranberries that you will be passing around your table. It’s truly amazing when you think about it…and it something we should all be thankful for.