Kansas Agriculture Week continues through Saturday

In Southeast Kansas, when asked where our food comes from, we think of the hard working farmers and ranchers who care for their livestock in all types of weather and who sit in a tractor all night to get the planting/harvesting done before a rain. But is many parts of America, "the grocery store" is the answer you will get.

"If you EAT today, THANK A FARMER" will be the underlying message for this year's Kansas Agriculture Week, March 14-20, as proclaimed by Governor Mark Parkinson. This coincides with National Ag Week as well.

"Agriculture has always been the backdrop to life in Kansas. It's a tradition that predates our statehood, and it continues to contribute to our economic well-being," said Parkinson. "Whether it's a Thomas County wheat farmer, a Flint Hills rancher or a truck farmer from Johnson County growing heirloom tomatoes, Kansas farmers and ranchers help fill our food, fiber and fuel needs. During Agriculture Week, especially, we need to remember to thank them for the work they do."

There are 65,531 farms in Kansas, 85 percent of which are family owned, each averaging 707 acres. The 46.2 million acres of Kansas farmland produce $13.9 billion of agriculture products ranging from wheat to beef and from cotton to milk.

As independent business owners, our farmers and ranchers provide for their families by providing us with food and fiber. New technologies and techniques allow for the production of greater quantity of products with increased qualities. In the 1960's one farmer would produce enough to feed 26 people, but now one farmer can supply 144 people with food.

With the world population at 6.2 billion today and estimated to reach 7.5 billion by 2020, those extra mouths are going to rely on Kansas and American agriculture to provide food and clothing.

"Agriculture is our bedrock. The economy may wax and wane, but demand for food never ends," said Josh Svaty, secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. "During these challenging economic times, it's good to know that one in five Kansans has a job that is tied in some way to agriculture and food production."

Consider this: almost everything we eat, wear or use comes from American agriculture in some way. What a great time to say thanks to the Kansas farmers and ranchers, as well as those across the Nation, who provide us with at safe, wholesome, plentiful food supply and comfortable, stylish clothes on our backs.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.