As National Agriculture Day approaches its 30th anniversary on March 21, Oklahoma’s farm and ranch families reflect upon the efficiency and productivity involved in providing consumers with a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.
"National Agriculture Day serves as a special time to draw attention to the importance of agriculture," said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. "We should all remember agriculture is a part of our every day lives from the food we eat to the clothes we wear."
In its 30th year, the National Agriculture Day program is committed to educating consumers on how food and fiber products are produced and why they should value the increasingly essential role of agriculture in modern times.
From a team of horses in the early 1900s to tractors with the power of 40 to 300 horses today, American farmers provide consumers with more and better quality food than ever before. In fact, one farmer now supplies food for more than 130 people in the United States and abroad compared with just 25.8 people in 1960.
"Our farmers and ranchers feed the world," said Kouplen. "With increased information and technology, we will meet the challenge of feeding an ever-growing world population."
Today’s farmers understand the importance of improving the quality and quantity of food available to the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that there will be 7.5 billion people in the world by the year 2020 (we’re currently at 6.2 billion). It’s agriculture’s job to find a way to feed those people. Advancements in crop technology, equipment technology and information management will make that possible. American farmers and others involved in the agriculture industry have met and will continue to meet this challenge again and again.
The efficiency of American farmers pays off in the price American consumers pay for food as well. U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India. This great value is due in large part to improved equipment efficiency, enhanced crop and livestock genetics through biotechnology and conventional breeding, and advances in information management.
"As we celebrate National Agriculture Day March 21, it is our hope that all Americans will learn more about agriculture and understand the vital role our industry plays in the lives of each and every one of us," said Kouplen.
