Sara Muri, Farm Journal Media Business & Crops Online Editor
Farmers have many reasons to be thankful, regardless of the current industry challenges. For this reason, AgDay showcases all of the bountiful gifts agriculture provides during its annual Harvest of Thanks episode.
“Every year since 2000, Harvest of Thanks has remained true to its original mission – to honor American agriculture by introducing viewers to farm and ranch families who value their unique way of life,” says Brian Conrady, AgDay general manager and co-producer of the show. “This year is no different as our Thanksgiving special will feature four families who have just completed another season in the fields.
“While yields may vary from year to year, the desire and determination to live and work in farm country is a constant. Harvest of Thanks is a snapshot of the very best American agriculture has to offer.”
Wes Mills, AgDay Executive Producer, who co-produced the show says viewers won’t be disappointed.
“I think it’s a nice cross section of farm country, showcasing the challenges that producers face and their ability to rise above adversity,” Mills says. “It’s also shows the importance of family.”
AgDay travels to Iowa, Texas, Tennessee and Nebraska to hear stories of family and hope.
In Oakville, Iowa, you’ll meet Jeff Hedges who lost most of his acreage this year due to flooding. Residents in Oakville were told to evacuate on a Thursday and the levee broke on Saturday.
“We took a boat out there and it was not a fun sight to see all the damage...the houses, the barns, the hog buildings,” Hedges says. “It’s devastating when you invest all your time and money. I’m fortunate to have an off-farm job too, but there are several here who live completely off the farm. I’ve been through tough times, but I’m very thankful for the way the whole area responded to the flood, the community we live in, how they help each other out.”
Other highlights of the show include meeting:
- Bob Dickey, National Corn Growers Association president
- Johnny Dodson, the incoming president of the American Soybean Association
- David Cleavenger, National Association of Wheat Growers president
These industry leaders provide valuable insight about the current opportunities in agriculture.
Harvest of Thanks will air Thursday morning during the normal AgDay TV slot. It will also air on Sunday, during the second half of U.S. Farm Report.
For More Information
Click here to find AgDay on your local listings.
You can also watch it online at www.AgDay.com.
You can e-mail Sara Muri at smuri@farmjournal.com.
