NATIONAL AG DAY

Paying Respect

From a team of horses in the early 1900s to tractors with 300 horsepower today, American farmers and ranchers provide consumers with more and better quality food than ever before. In fact, one farmer now supplies food for about 144 people compared with just 25.8 people in 1960.

The efficiency of American farmers pays off in the price American consumers pay for food. U.S. consumers spend roughly 9% of their income on food compared with 11% in the United Kingdom, 17% in Japan, 27% in South Africa and 53% 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.

All Americans are asked to enjoy and admire the wonders of American agriculture as National Agriculture Day is celebrated on the first day of spring, March 20. National Ag Week runs March 16-22.

Ag Facts to Share

* Today's average farm is 441 acres compared to 147 acres in 1900.
* 41% of U.S. total land area is farmland.
* U.S. farmers account for 46% of the world's soybean production, 41% of the world's corn production, 20.5% of the world's cotton production and 13% of the world's wheat production.
* Almost 99% of U.S. farms are operated by individuals or family corporations.
* Nearly 22 million people are employed in farm or farm-related jobs.
* Farmers and ranchers provide food and habitat for 75% of the nation's wildlife.

Source: Agriculture Council of America