Celebrating agriculture with Thank a Farmer Week March 3-9

Our changing economy illustrates how agriculture impacts our lives now more than ever. Agriculture has historically been Missouri’s main economic driver, and farmers in the Show-Me-State continue to be at the forefront of innovation as they work to meet the needs of consumers, generate new revenue streams like agritourism, and lead the national conversation on policies that impact the industry as a whole. 
Thanks to Missouri farmers, consumers have food and goods choices that are locally sourced. Consumers around the world enjoy goods produced by Missouri’s farmers and ranchers. Missouri Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau’s across the state are joining forces to celebrate the importance of agriculture, March 3-9, during Celebrate Agriculture: Thank a Farmer Week! According to th Mis-souri Department of Agriculture, “A 2021 study of the economic contribution of Missouri agriculture and forestry showed that agriculture is a $93.7 billion industry.” Missouri agriculture employs almost 460,000 people. Missouri is ranked in the top 10 for 12 commodities including, number of farms, goats, beef cattle, poultry, hay, rice and cotton.
“Agriculture is important to our daily lives and our community. Because 98% of the population doesn’t farm, it is easy to take for granted the importance of our farmers,” Wright county President, Chris Daily says. “Celebrate Agriculture: Thank a Farmer Week is a great time to recognize the important contribution made by farmers!”
With all that they produce, it is remarkable that farm and ranch families account for less than 2 percent of the U.S. population. Across the United States, there are 2 million farms with 3.4 million farm operators. This number includes owners, their families, hired workers, tenants and renters or sharecroppers. Many farms today find multiple generations working together to produce food and fiber. We are in the midst of a generational shift in agriculture as 30% of all farmers are beginning farmers (in business less than 10 years). While the agriculture industry has its challenges, the future is bright as the next generation of farmers are coming home to the farm with new innovative ideas and technology to ensure they continue to answer the calling of producing a food supply that is safe and abundant for consumers. 
So, join Farm Bureau as we Celebrate agriculture and Thank a Farmer.