National Agriculture Week is here, organized every year by the Agriculture Council of America. The celebration this year runs March 17-23, and as always corresponds with National Ag Day, which is officially celebrated on Tuesday, March 19 this year. Both celebrations are about recognizing – and celebrating – the contributions of farmers and agriculture in our everyday lives.
When the Agriculture Council of America was started in 1973, they simultaneously introduced the first National Agriculture Day. Soon, it developed into an entire week-long celebration and the two have been celebrated ever since. The theme for National Ag Day 2024 is “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.” To help celebrate, check out some interesting facts about US agriculture and its farmers:
- In 2023, $174.9 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the world.
- Cattle and calves, corn, and soybeans are the top three U.S. farm products.
- 1.9 million farms dot America’s rural landscape, and 95% are operated by families – individuals, family partnerships, or family corporations.
- Farm and ranch families comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population.
- Family farms and ranches account for 90% of total agricultural production value.
- Farmers and ranchers receive only 15 cents (on average) out of every retail dollar spent on food at home and away from home.
- One acre of land can grow a variety of crops, including 50,000 pounds of strawberries or 2,784 pounds (46.4 bushels) of wheat.
- Total U.S. corn yield (tons per acre) has increased more than 360% since 1950.
- Many Americans celebrate holidays with food, spending a total of nearly $14 billion each year.
- On average, one U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad.
- About 20% of U.S. farm products by value are exported each year.
