Thank-You Consumers

Today (March 19) is National Ag Day, a day to celebrate the wonderful world of Agriculture.  As a farmer, I cannot imagine a day when I do not get my hands dirty or welcome a brand new calf into the world or discuss agriculture.

No one on this planet could go a day without Agriculture. You are part of Agriculture from the food you eat to the clothes you wear. Agriculture is everywhere. Beyond the plate, farmers and ranchers produce items you use every day.

On National Ag Day, we need to celebrate AGRICULTURE and the abundance, variety food choices that U.S. Farmers and Ranchers provide for the World. Whether your food choice is conventional, organic, all natural, local, gluten-free, vegetarian, or all animal protein; we need to be thankful for the affordable choices available to us as consumers in this nation. Despite the rising food costs in the grocery store, the U.S. still has the cheapest and more food choices for its citizens.

Agriculture is an important part of your life and an important part of U.S. Economy. For the 98 percent of individuals roaming this great nation the origin of your food, clothing, or other products is the farthest from your mind.  In this fast pace, media frenzy world it is often easy to quickly form opinions about agriculture and the 2 percent that farm and ranch.

One important component of the agriculture community we often overlook as farmers and ranchers is YOU.  It is easy to get caught up in tilling the soil and caring for animals to spend time with the individuals that consume our products.

Therefore on National Ag Day, I Ask for Mutual Respect

As a farmer, I promise to respect and preserve the land, air, and water. I strive to provide my animals with food, water, and shelter, and essential items for healthy environment and well-being.

I will embrace new technology, absorb the knowledge of forefathers, and seek education to provide quality agriculture products for the growing population without sacrificing natural resources. 

I will nurture the next generation of farmers and rancher to ensure the future of agriculture remains in the family.

I promise to take a deep breath, count to 5 when I hear a myth about agriculture OR an opinion different from mine.  I promise to devote time to answer your questions about my farm and the agriculture community.

I promise to RESPECT your food selection and join forces with the agriculture community to continue to provide an abundant, variety, and safe agriculture products.

In return, I ask you, as a consumer, not to jump to quick conclusion about agriculture. Add an item to your "To Do List" to explore the world of agriculture beyond the grocery shelf.  Learn a little about who grows your food, how we grow your food, and how the ag product is processed from my farm to item you buy in the store.

I invite you to understand that beyond the table products made from agriculture like insulation-medicines-cosmetics-plastic are not evil but an ingenious way to utilize all parts of plant or animal harvested for our well-being. 

 In the honor of National Ag Day, I say "Thank-You" to my American and World Consumer for purchasing my agriculture products in the form of your choice.  My Customer Service Line is open if you want to have a chat about my farm.