South West Illinois News

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) marked National Ag Day in a Facebook post on March 21.

"Happy National Ag Day to the Illinois ag community including the farm families, workers, educators, businesses, and all who keep the industry healthy and growing," he posted.

Families own and operate 96% of farms in the state, according to a story by Illinois Farm Bureau Partners, in recognition of National Agriculture Day, which is on or near the first day of spring each year. 

"In rural towns across Illinois, farmers serve as Sunday school teachers, 4-H leaders, sports coaches, school volunteers and FFA supporters," the story stated. "Farm shops host community gatherings, and farmers pool their unique resources to meet needs." 

Illinois ranks third in the U.S. in the export of agricultural commodities, the story went on, "providing food, feed and fuel around the globe from farms owned and operated by families – families like ours who work together and gather around the table for Easter dinner, too."

Isabella Chism also marked the event. “On this day, we celebrate American agriculture and our farm and ranch families who take great pride in growing a safe, sustainable food supply," she wrote in a blog post by on the Farm Bureau's website. "We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much more. Demand for college graduates with degrees related to agriculture continues to grow, according to the USDA. This includes job opportunities in management and business, such as marketers, financial advisors, credit analysts, business consultants, insurance managers and e-commerce specialists. With so much of our life depending on modern agriculture, it’s appropriate to set aside at least one day a year to recognize and celebrate our safe and abundant food supply."

The Agriculture Council of America organizes National Ag Day celebrations every year, which includes an essay contest, which was won by Timothy Hill of Orlando, Fla. He received a $1,000 prize and recognition during the virtual Ag Day event, along with three merit winners who received $100 and will have their essays featured in the Ag Day Blog. Those winners were Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pa.; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru, Highland Village, Texas.