Peoria Standard

Across Illinois and the rest of the country people marked National Ag Day on March 21, recognizing farmers and their contributions through activities, writing and contests.

“#NationalAgDay, a day we remember, honor and thank our state's growers, producers, industry experts and educators,” state Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) posted on his Facebook page. “Thank you for your commitment and sacrifices to be good stewards of our land. Also a special shoutout to GROWMARK's Amy Bradford who has family ties to the 47th District and serves as the Chair of the Agriculture Council of America: National Ag Day Committee. #AgDay23”

According to an article by the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners written by Joanie Stiers for National Ag Day, families own and operate 96% of farms across Illinois. She said this shows that families, and not corporations, are most responsible for how food, feed and fuel are made.

“By nature, farmers problem-solve on and off the farm with the passionate intent to make a difference,” the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners article states. “In rural towns across Illinois, farmers serve as Sunday school teachers, 4-H leaders, sports coaches, school volunteers and FFA supporters. Farm shops host community gatherings, and farmers pool their unique resources to meet needs.”

The article also tells of when Illinois farm families were recognized by the state’s governor for providing skilled labor and equipment to build a playground. This shows the hard work and devotion to the communities they put forth. Stiers praised the work of farmers and the state as a whole for their agricultural contributions.

“The value and impact of Illinois agriculture extends beyond the state and even nation’s borders,” the article states. “Blessed with a navigable river system, Illinois ranks third nationally in the export of agricultural commodities, 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 is a row crop farmer in Indiana and the second vice president of the Indiana Farm Bureau, and she made a blog post for the Farm Bureau to mark National Ag Day. 

Chism wrote that it is an important time to recognize the nation’s agriculture, as well as the farm and ranch families that help create a “safe, sustainable food supply.”

“We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much more,” Chism wrote. “Demand for college graduates with degrees related to agriculture continues to grow, according to 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 celebrates National Ag Day, as well. They created an essay contest and this year’s winner was Timothy Hill of Orlando, Fla. Hill received a $1,000 prize and was recognized during the virtual Ag Day event that took place on March 21. 

There were also three merit winners who received $100 and have essays featured in the Ag Day Blog including: Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pa.; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas.

Anderson represents the 47th Senate District and has served in this role since 2015. He is a firefighter paramedic in Moline and lives with his wife and children in Andalusia.