National Agriculture Day
When is National Agriculture Day? The date varies.
National Agriculture Day is a salute to American agriculture and everyone who plays a role in it. Sometimes called World Agriculture Day, this holiday is celebrated in March as Spring begins to arrive and we all begin to think of our gardens. According to the Agricultural Day website and sponsors of this holiday, the purpose of National Agriculture Day is to “celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture”.
Agriculture has been around since the caveman first learned how to plant seeds and grow food. The industry has evolved from simple tools for growing and harvesting crops, to horse or ox-drawn plows, and now employs modern tractors and harvesting equipment.
Every year, producers, associations, universities and other groups recognize and celebrate the contributions of agriculture.
Note: National Agriculture Day, is sometimes referred to as World Agriculture Day. Agriculture is a vital industry to feed the billions of hungry people on the planet.
The date of this special day can vary. It is often, but not always on the first day of spring.
Song of the Day: The Farmer in the Dell.
Agriculture Day Trivia and Fun Facts
What do you know about the field of agriculture? Learn more with these trivia and fun facts.
- In 1935, there were 6.8 million farms in the United States. Today, only 1.89 million farms remain.
- 98% of farms are family-owned.
- The are approximately 92 million cows in the U.S.
- The are approximately 518 million chickens in the U.S.
- In 2023, worldwide wheat production was 785 million metric tons.
- Worldwide, tomatoes are the most popular vegetable. Worldwide production is 177 million metric tons per year.
- Tomatoes are actually a fruit.
- Corn (maize) is the main cereal crop in the United States.
- Pork is the most widely consumed meat in the world.
- Craisins are made from cranberries.
- In the U.S., there are 897 million acres of farmland.
- In 173, Eli Whitney invented the Cotton Gin to separate the seeds from the fibers of the bolls of cotton plants.
- India has the most cultivated land in the world.
How to Celebrate National Agriculture Day
- Spend a little time to better understand agriculture.
- Put on presentations, talks, and demonstrations about Agriculture.
- Attend one of the events above.
- Learn about how food is produced and distributed.
- Eat healthy today. As you do, think about all that goes into bringing the food you eat to your table.
- Plan to get involved in agriculture this spring, by planting a vegetable garden.
- Teachers created a lesson plan centered on growing plants.
- Support legislation for the betterment of our agricultural community.
- If you are in High school, consider a career in agriculture. There are many job opportunities.
Thought for Today
“Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own.” – – Samuel Johnson
History and Origin of National Agriculture Day
On February 29, 2012, Agriculture secretary Thomas J. Vilsack proclaimed March 8, 2012, to be National Agriculture Day. This proclamation stated a specific date and year. It can vary each year. The Agricultural Secretary annually proclaims the date of National Agriculture Day. In 2022, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. made the proclamation. Although it is sometimes called World Agriculture Day, the prior proclamations have clearly referred to it as a national day.
This special day originated in 1973. It is organized and promoted by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA).
Important Note: The date for this holiday varies. If you see it listed on a different date on other websites, those websites are probably not keeping up with the date the ACA establishes each year to celebrate this event.
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Recipe of the Day: Stuffed Cabbage
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