Ag Day Starts March 12

There has been a change to Putnam County's Agriculture Ag week to Ag Day. This is an exciting change because more of people can participant. The importance of agriculture is showcased at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Ag Day gives us a glimpse of what agriculture is like today and understand why farmers do what they do.

We are all involved with agriculture in some way. Today we are most likely to be involved at the very end of the process when we buy groceries at the super market. It is time to realize all the science and technology that happens before the food reaches our table. American agricultural goods are exported all over the world. Agricultural goods are America's number one export.

Many other countries in the world rely on the U.S. exportation of agricultural goods to feed and clothe their people. Just a few generations ago, most of us were on the farm helping make the U.S. a great agricultural power.

Now many of us have left the farm to pursue other career choices. We tend to take for granted all of the hard work it takes to run a farm and do not understand the processes it takes to produce high quality agricultural products at low costs. We have to understand, as modern people, that the agriculture industry is much broader then just the work done on the farm.

Many other industries are directly related to supplying us with excellent, quality products. It is important to get back to our roots and see, hear, touch, taste and smell the activities of modern agriculture. It is important that we, as a community, support our agriculture industry so that we can continue to enjoy a standard of living that depends on an abundant, safe and diverse food supply.

It is important that we support Ag Day and educate ourselves and our children in learning what the agriculture industry is all about. Many fine, knowledgeable and outstanding people have volunteered to make Ag Day activities successful. A big thank you to all of you who have volunteered and have worked hard to make this week possible.

Ag Day kicks off with the Ag Day Breakfast Saturday morning March 12 from 8 to 9 a.m. Tickets are only $1 per person for sausage and pancakes. Following breakfast at 9 to 9:30 a.m., there will be an Agriculture program. We have wonderful volunteers who help put on Ag Day every year by preparing the breakfast. This is open to the public.

Also on Saturday is Mini Farm Fest. Find out why farmers do what they do on the farm. Do you want to know the latest information about agriculture? Do you want to see the equipment, the animals and the products of agriculture?

Saturday after the Ag Day breakfast is time for you to come and visit. Bring the kids to experience the many agriculture activities that are there for them to do, they can learn how to shell corn, learn about planting flowers and vegetable crops, hold baby chicks, experiance real farm machinery and much more.

Back by popular demand are the Racing Pigs. These pigs are ready to help raises money for The program Local Food for Neighbors in Need. This program helps feed local family who are in need with donated food harvested from Putnam County.

All the money raised helps to offset the cost of processing meat donated by local hunters or farmers. Racing the pig of your choice costs just $1 per pig per race. Come out and cheer on your pigs and help raise money for a good cause.

Many wonderful people have given their time to help inform the public about agriculture. Mini Farm Fest runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the community building at the fairgrounds and is a free event.

Come out Saturday and join the fun while showing your support for our agricultural community. Help support Putnam County's proud agriculture heritage. Help your children learn about the importance of agriculture and what it means to their future.

Upcoming Events

Mar. 7 -- Back to Basic Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Horses, 6 p.m.

Mar. 10 -- Junior Leader Meeting, Fairgrounds, 7 to 8 p.m.

Mar. 11 -- Deadline to pre-register for Diabetes Prevention Health Conference

Mar. 12 -- Putnam County Ag Day Breakfast/Farmfest, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to noon

Mar. 14 -- E. H. Leader Lesson "Exploring Fruits & Vegetables", 1 p.m. at Extension Office

Mar. 14 -- Back to Basics: Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Swine, 6 p.m.

Mar. 14 -- Master Naturalist classes -- Greencastle

Mar. 15 -- E. H. Terre Haute District Spring Mtg. -- leave from Fairgrounds at 8 a.m.

Mar. 16 -- Diabetes Prevention Health Conference at Putnam County Hospital 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mar. 16 -- Cat Poster/Project Workshop, Extension office, 6:30 p.m.

Mar. 21 -- Back to Basic Novice Guide to Farm Animals -- Goats rescheduled, 6 p.m.

Mar. 29 -- Pond Management program Brown bag Lunch at noon