National Agriculture Day is celebrated this year on Wednesday, March 20. This is not to be confused with WORLD agriculture day, which will be held on June 11th of this year. Yes, I am a day behind in celebrating this event, but I still wanted to pay tribute to those who feed us each and every day. My Grandfather, My Uncle Frank and his son Frank jr. all farmed. They had property outside of Fairbank, and later on Independence, where the family farm remains to this day. The farm looks to be in very good hands with another generation of family taking over operation. I remember many family visits to the farm, running around with the cousins, it was the best time of my youth. When we gather at the farm each summer for a family reunion, it brings back so many memories of the people that have gone before us, but will never be forgotten. My step-father was a dairy farmer just North of Fairbank. His homestead was in their family for over 100 years, and the next generation of kids are still working the land. He was the epitome of traditional farmer. Self sufficient and resourceful, Worked daily well into his golden years. If Alzheimer’s hadn’t claimed him, I guarantee he would have been out working until the good Lord called him home. Honest to a fault, generous and kind. If the industry would have needed a world wide representative of what a farmer is, my step father would have been the first and only choice. I know for a fact that everyone reading this has a family member, or they themselves are in the farming business one way or another, and they know of other outstanding members of the community that are shining examples of what a farmer represents as well. I am so proud to be an Iowan for many reasons, but to be associated with good people like our farmers and ag business people…well… that’s the main reason. Who else puts everything they have on the line each and every year for people they haven’t even met? Farmers are a special breed and should be celebrated every day. I thought I would take a moment to give a few farm facts to showcase the impact that agriculture has on our state and world, so follow along:
“Iowa continues to be a national and global leader in agriculture, ranking No. 1 in production of hogs, corn, eggs and soybeans – while ranking in the top 5 for red meat production, number of farms, cattle on feed, cash receipts and total value of ag exports.”
MARKET VALUE OF LIVESTOCK SOLD = $15.8 BILLION
2,156,370 CATTLE SOLD FOR SLAUGHTER
3,595,241 CATTLE & CALVES SOLD
1,644,497 CATTLE ON FEED
LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
60,292,876 HOGS SOLD
22,730,540 HOGS
4,793,219 TURKEYS
56,554,774 LAYERS
MARKET VALUE OF CROPS = $11.1 BILLION
9,949,724 ACRES OF SOYBEANS
AVERAGE CORN YIELD PER ACRE = 199 BUSHELS
AVERAGE SOYBEAN YIELD PER ACRE = 56 BUSHELS
12,969,645 ACRES OF CORN
20% OF RESIDENTS EMPLOYED BY AG AND
AG-RELATED INDUSTRIES
$39.7 BILLION TOTAL VALUE-ADDED FROM AG
$22.2 BILLION IN WAGES FROM AG
$121.1 BILLION IN TOTAL AG SALES
AVERAGE FARM SIZE = 355 ACRES
*Information courtesy of The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers*
Now I don’t know about you, but those are some impressive numbers, and it gives you a pretty clear impression of just how important agriculture is to our state.
And, in closing, I thought I would stir the pot up a bit and say that according to research: “John Deere leads in owner loyalty among tractor owners. Is John Deere Equipment Better Than the Rest? In both 2021 and 2022 reports, John Deere has been ranked the top tractor brand in many categories.” BUT, I have to add, the Mahindra Tractor Brand is the number 1 tractor selling brand in the world.
In the interest of total transparency, my Father was a foreman at John Deere for over 30 years, so even though I never worked on a farm, I am just slightly biased on this one….
