Happy National Ag Day!

Food, feed, fuel and fiber are all necessities in today’s world that we all take for granted each and every day. For the shirt on our back, the clean fuel in our car and the nutritious food in our bellies, we need to thank the American farmer.

National Ag Day is not only a time to give thanks, but also a time to learn from and share with others about the industry that continues to meet the increasing demands of a growing world. As Jim Woster noted in this week’s Corn Comments Podcast, with so many people now 2, 3 or even 4 generations removed from the farm, it’s critically important for both children and adults alike to understand where their food is coming from.

Farmers make up less than 2% of the United States population, and those numbers are continuing to drop. Even with the declining demographics, farmers continue to increase their productivity and efficiency, while also protecting our natural resources.

In the last 30 years corn farmers have reduced the following: land use per bushel, erosion, water, energy and emissions while increasing production by 101%.

This success didn’t just happen by chance; investments in research, equipment and technology have helped lead the way and in turn changed the way we farm. Those investments have paid off as Americans continue to be blessed year after year with access to the most abundant, safe and affordable food supply in the entire world.

The story of agriculture is a great one to tell, so take some time this National Ag Day to teach, learn and share something about the folks who make it all happen.