Small Town News

Thank A Farmer During National Agriculture Week

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March 14 - 20 is National Ag Week, culminating with National Ag Day on March 20. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) suggests this is the perfect opportunity to give credit where credit is due.

During this special week, take a minute to thank a farmer. No fancy notepaper or frilly bouquets required - a thoughtful nod will do.

"Producers take a risk each spring when they plant a seed in the ground. They are also the ones who get up in the middle of the night, in the rain and cold, to check on calves," notes South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even. "It is only right that we all take a moment to thank our farmers and ranchers for their hard work and recognize that they are the backbone of our rural economy."

Indeed, National Ag Week is a reminder of the impact agriculture has in South Dakota.

Agriculture is our state's No. one industry, with a $21 billion annual economic impact

South Dakota is home to 45,864 producers on 31,169 farms

95 percent of farms and ranches in South Dakota are family owned and operated

Agriculture employs 173,000 South Dakotans, or 40% of the workforce

90 percent of South Dakota's land is dedicated to agricultural activities

Each producer raises enough food to feed 144 people in the world

Our state's producers are humble, hard-working people and don't ask for gratitude, however well deserved it may be. Therefore, during National Ag Week, it is time to thank our producers for not only providing the food, feed, fiber and fuel we depend on, but also for their optimistic spirit that keeps them going despite rough times and daunting obstacles.



Copyright 2010 The Canistota Clipper, Canistota, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Canistota Clipper Canistota, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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