2023 Ag Week

2023 National Ag Day

Ag Week reminds Americans that agriculture is part of all of us

Leawood, KS — The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 21, 2023. This will mark the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day 2023 is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.”

On March 21, 2023, the ACA will host a virtual Ag Day event and events in Washington, DC. Additionally, the ACA will bring college students to Washington “virtually” to deliver the message

of Ag Day to the Hill. A core leadership team of college students will attend events in DC. Other Ag Day events in DC will be announce soon.

These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. Many agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

National Ag Day is organized by the

Sunday Make a farm-to-table meal with your family.

Monday Volunteer at your local school and plan an activity with a classroom to teach kids about the importance of agriculture. (Examples: make a compost bin for them to observe in their classroom, or do this egg shell seed growing experiment.

Tuesday

Share what agriculture means to you in a photo on social media - whether it’s the ingredients for your dinner, a rural field, or a busy market. Use the hashtag #FoodforLife

Agriculture Council of America. The ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products

• Value the essen -

tial role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy

• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry

In addition to the events on March 21, the ACA will once again feature the Ag Day Essay Contest. The winning essay will be presented on National Ag Day.

Sponsorship opportunities for Ag Day 2023 are available. Visit www.agday.org for more information on National Ag Day.

Wednesday Contact your legislator and remind them of the importance of supporting farm initiatives.

Thursday:National Ag Day!

Research agricultural issues affecting your region.

Friday

Throw a cook-off party with friends. Try to incorporate ingredients your state is known for, i.e. pork, apples, almonds, beef, corn, etc.

Saturday

Check out local farms or dairies in your area that offer tours. Visit with friends or family, and learn how they produce, sell and market their food.

2023 National Ag Day Essay Contest Winners

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2023 National Ag Day video and written essay winners. The winners were chosen based on the theme: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day. Entrants chose to either write an essay or create a video.

The national written essay winner, Timothy Hill of Orlando, Florida, receives a $1,000 prize and will read his winning essay at the virtual Ag Day event on March 21, 2023. The contest also named three merit winners who receive $100 and blog posts featuring their essays. They are Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas. This year’s video essay winner, Olivia Lee of Aliso Viejo, California, wins a $1,000 prize.

First place written contest winner: Timothy Hill, Orlando, Fla.

Growing

a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does it Every Day

As our world continues to face the devastating impacts of climate change, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. American agriculture is at the forefront of this movement, working hard every day to grow a climate for tomorrow. From sustainable farming practices to innovative technologies and reducing carbon emissions, American agriculture is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

One of the key ways American agriculture is working towards a sustainable future is through sustainable farming practices. Crop rotation, conservation tillage, cover cropping, and precision agriculture are all examples of sustainable farming practices that help reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and increase water efficiency. These practices also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change. By adopting sustainable farming practices, American agriculture is mak-

ing a commitment to the environment and to future generations.

In addition to sustainable farming practices, American agriculture is embracing innovative technologies to increase efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. Precision agriculture is a technology that allows farmers to monitor crops and make informed decisions about inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Drones can be used to monitor crops, identify areas that need attention, and reduce the need for labor-intensive tasks. Genetically modified crops can reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. By using innovative technologies, American agriculture is reducing its environmental impact while also increasing efficiency.

Reducing carbon emissions is also a critical component of growing a climate for tomorrow. Carbon sequestration, renewable energy sources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock are all initiatives that American agriculture is pursuing. Carbon sequestration involves

capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil, which can help combat climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock can be achieved through diet management and using feed additives. By reducing carbon emissions, American agriculture is making a significant contribution to a more sustainable future. In conclusion, American agriculture is doing its part to grow a climate for tomorrow. Sustainable farming practices, innovative technologies, and reducing carbon emissions are just a few examples of the ways American agriculture is working towards a sustainable future. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, it’s important to remember that each of us has a role to play in creating a brighter future. By supporting sustainable agriculture practices and making environmentally-conscious decisions, we can all work towards a more sustainable tomorrow.

The winning entries can be viewed online at https://www.agday.org/2023-contest-winners.