This Jersey Dairy Calf is from a Panhandle dairy which supplies locally processed dairy goods directly to the community. These types of local Farm-City relationships strengthen community economies. Photo by Judy Ludlow
November is a time for honoring our Veterans, gathering our harvests, and recognizing the significance of agriculture in America.
In 1955 the National Farm–City Council established “Farm City” events to celebrate the importance of agriculture to the economies of local communities, and on November 18, 2011, the President of the United States recognized this connection when he proclaimed Thanksgiving week as ‘National Farm-City’ week, asking Americans to “honor the individuals, families, and communities who provide us the staple foods that sustain our Nation.”
Farm-City Week is celebrated nationally the week prior to Thanksgiving Day and recognizes the importance of Farm-City partnerships to the success of America’s agriculture and America’s economy. Farmers and buyers need each other. These essential partnerships help ensure availability of safe and plentiful foods in our communities. They also enable farmers to continue the use of best management practices which protect our surrounding environments.
- Florida produces nearly 300 different agricultural products
- Farms more than 9.2 million acres of land
- Employs 750,000 people
- Contributes over $100 Billion to the State’s economy
“Turning peanuts” from the soil in which they grow is just one part of a peanut farmers season long profession of growing, harvesting, and marketing this abundant agricultural product. Photo by Judy Ludlow
Florida is one of the top ten agricultural producers in America. “Our farmers know how to grow the 300 different commodities that we produce in the state of Florida,” said John Hoblick, president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “They also know that it takes many other partnerships in order for that food to get to America’s table, and it’s the success of those partnerships that we celebrate during Farm-City Week.” For more statistics on Florida’s Agriculture visit this website: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Communities throughout Florida recognize Farm-City Week by having meal functions, farm tours, and conducting other activities that educate citizens about the importance of the Farm-City relationship. As I continue to learn about the many facets of agriculture in the Florida Panhandle, it has become clear to me that producers who grow our food and fiber wear many hats. To conduct the business of agriculture, our farmers must also be economists, meteorologists, veterinarians, mechanics, botanists, pest control managers, and biologists. Imagine where we would be without them?
This year, Ram Trucks has even joined the effort to help promote the American Farmer. Below is a video that was produced to highlight Florida Dairy Farmers:
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