If you regularly read our blogs, you know that we have been actively encouraging consumers to become more aware of the work that farmers and ranchers do in order to supply our cities and our towns with fresh, local, nutrient-dense food.
Since tomorrow is is National Ag Day, what better time to thank a farmer or rancher?
Here are just a few reasons why:
Let's begin with the most important reason of all - farmers and ranchers feed us! While your local supermarket may have an abundant selection of food and related items - they would have nothing without the farmer or rancher.
Currently, less than 2 % of the population of the U.S. are farmers and ranchers. Unfortunately, that total continues to decline every year. The fact is, farming and ranching is one of the most difficult jobs around, and those that continue to provide us with the food we eat deserve to be thanked.
Farmers and ranchers remain a tight-knit community. Studies have shown that farmers and ranchers learn best in an environment with other farmers and ranchers. They help and support each other - and are a prime example of how we should all treat one another.
Farmers and ranchers take care of the land. By adopting new practices such as Holistic Management, farmers and ranchers - in addition to supplying us all with food, are also helping to conserve water, build healthy soil and sequester more carbon.
Farmers and ranchers also provide a healthy habitat for area wildlife by providing a safe, healthy habitat.
Let's stop taking our farmers and ranchers for granted. Please take the time to thank a farmer or rancher tomorrow!