Opinion

Ag Week is next week

Monday, March 15, 2010

Putnam County's Agriculture Week starts next week, March 15 through 20. To all of us in the industry, we call it Ag Week.

The importance of agriculture is showcased during the week at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Ag Week 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 supermarket.

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

Ag Week kicks off with the Ag Week Breakfast Tuesday from 6 to 7 a.m. Tickets are $1 per person for sausage and pancakes. Following breakfast at 7 a.m., there will be a program. We have wonderful volunteers who help put on Ag Week every year by preparing the breakfast. This is open to the public.

On Wednesday, we invite all of the fourth graders to visit and learn about agriculture. It is a wonderful way of introducing children to farming. Some of these children have never seen a farm or farm animals. Also on Wednesday, we have the Rotary/Kiwanis luncheon. Kiwanis has booked several young farmers to talk about their transition back to the farm. This is another part of Ag Week tradition in Putnam County.

Thursday 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? Then Thursday is the day for you to come and visit.

Bring the kids to experience the many agriculture activities that are there for them to do. Many wonderful people have given their time to help inform the public about agriculture. Mini Farm Fest runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the community building at the fairgrounds and is a free event.

Come out next week 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:

March 16-18: Putnam County Ag Week

March 16: Ag week Breakfast 6 a.m. fairgrounds

March 17: Ag week Rotary luncheon and 4-h field day

March 18: Ag week Mini Farm Fest 3:30-6:30 p.m.

March 25: Extension Homemakers Spring District Meeting in Parke County --Those attending should meet at the Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m.

March 29- Extension Homemakers Program Planning meeting Extension Office 7 p.m.

April 1: 4-H Enrollment forms due

April 5: 4-H Trip, Award and Workshop Interest forms due

April 5: Small Farms Work Group Meeting 6-8pm Annex

April 10: Fiber Event Fairgrounds.

April 15: Tax day

April 16: Putnam County 4-H Scholarships Due

April 26: Pond Workshop