Special for Ag Week 2008 Every March, we celebrate National Agriculture Week as a time to remind people about the tremendous contributions farmers make to our economy and our quality of life. Ag Week messages are often aimed at reminding non-farmers of our importance, but today I want to address Minnesota’s 79,000 farmers. First, thanks for doing what you do. Minnesota’s farmers are among the best in the world. I am immensely proud to be a farmer, and to serve my fellow farmers as agriculture commissioner. Our farmers and ranchers are independent business people who provide for their families and their nation by producing some of the world’s best food, fiber and now fuel. Like other business owners, they are constantly working to improve the quality and quantity of their output. In the 1960s, one farmer supplied food for 25.8 people. Today, one farmer supplies food for 144 people. This constant drive for improvement benefits us all. Even as food costs have increased (due more to $100/barrel oil than anything happening with corn or soybean prices), Americans still spend a smaller share of income on food than residents of other developed nations. Also, as our farmers develop innovative and environmentally friendly production practices, these techniques serve as models for the rest of the world. Unfortunately, our farmers’ excellence is sometimes overlooked because so few of our fellow citizens understand 21st century agriculture. That brings me to my second message – During Ag Week and the other 51 weeks of the year, we need to tell the story of agriculture more often, and in ways that are more relevant to non-farmers. In today’s media environment, we are bombarded with information and opinion from people trying to get our attention in order to sell us something or convince us to see things a certain way. It can be very difficult to focus on a message, much less act on it. So how can we get more of our fellow citizens to realize how great an asset the agricultural community is for our society? I’m convinced the solution starts with all of us in the agriculture community taking responsibility to share our message. With less than 2 percent of the population involved in our industry, we can’t afford anything less than full participation. Throughout the year, agriculture leaders and farm organizations weigh in on important issues such as the federal farm bill, state agricultural legislation, and talking with the media about agriculture and food issues of the day. As effective as these groups can be, our agricultural community can have an even stronger voice if more individual farmers take it upon themselves to share their thoughts and perspectives on issues that matter to them. By writing letters to the editor, calling or writing lawmakers, and getting involved in agricultural promotions and programs, we can raise our profile and communicate our message more effectively. There will be times when the agriculture community is divided on an issue. Even in those cases, farmers need to be heard by the people making decisions that impact them. After all, if we don’t tell our story and tell it well, can we really expect others to understand our perspective or our needs? So I ask you to take time this week, next week, and throughout the year to talk about the value of your farm and your profession. By sharing the great message of agriculture all year long, we can make every week Ag Week.
