Where does your food come from?
If you're like many Americans, the answer is the grocery store. In fact, the grocery store is not where our food comes from, just from where it's distributed. Unfortunately, far too many people are unaware of the role of American agriculture has in their daily lives . . . and what it really takes to have food on their dinner table.
Just a few generations ago, most people were a part of, and had friends or relatives directly involved with, agriculture. Today, that is no longer the case. Most people have no way of learning that agriculture is responsible for providing the necessities of life . . . food, fiber, clothing and shelter. However, it is about time Americans recognize that impact!
American farmers are working harder than ever, and it shows. Today, each American farmer feeds more than 144 people - and the need for food produced in the United States is dramatic. Agriculture is this nation's number one export and is vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.
And it's not just the farmer who makes our food possible. The entire agriculture industry: from the farm all the way to the grocery store and then to your plate serves as the vital links of a chain that brings food to every citizen - and millions of people abroad every day.
Despite the media hype that America is a petroleum-based society, the reality is that ?agriculture? and not ?oil? is what our very lives are most dependent on.† Truthfully, it is easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food has been the most readily accessible and safe for several generations. For this, we're unbelievably fortunate, but that doesn't mean we don't have an obligation to recognize how it's made possible.
March 25 is National Ag Day, hosted by the Agriculture Council of America. Ag Day is a good time to reflect - and be grateful for - American agriculture!† The Northeast Texas Community College Agriculture program is proud to announce a special event in celebration of the National Ag Day - the First Annual Spring Ag Fest.† The one-day event will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Whatley Agriculture Complex on 2886 FM 1735, Mount Pleasant (across FM 1735 from the main NTCC campus).
Reflecting NTCC Eagle Ranch's strong agricultural heritage, the event will showcase the skills and talents of the NTCC staff, instructors, and students.† There will be farming and gardening equipment demonstrations and farm safety training.† Available for purchase will be NTCC student raised herb and vegetable plants and the NTCC Ag Club will be selling Sloppy Joe, Chips and drink for $5.
Attendees will also be able to order custom-grown plants for you to experience what it is like to grow your own groceries.† NTCC?s Fall 2014 schedule of agriculture courses will be available and registration to be a vendor at the NTCC?s Farmer?s Market will begin (first event opens May 3).†If you would like more information about NTCC Spring Ag Fest, contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu.
By: Rene' McCracken, NTCC Director of Agriculture
March 17, 2014
