National Agriculture Week

Approximately 460,000 Americans work in farming, ranching, or another agricultural venture. This week, we get to celebrate them.

March 21-27, 2023, is National Agriculture Week in the United States. To help observe this holiday, we look at the celebration’s history.

Appreciating Our Farmers, No Matter the Turmoil

Every year since 1973, one day in March has been proclaimed National Agriculture Day. We can take the time to appreciate Ag Day and Ag Week and use them to raise awareness of the critical role farmers play in strengthening our country. Though just 10.5% of workers in the United States are involved in jobs related to the agricultural and food sectors, they have an outsized impact on the economy. Those working in the agriculture and food industries added about $1.3 trillion to our gross domestic product in 2021. 

Farmers have continued to meet demands for food and livestock, despite lockdowns, quarantines, shortages, and economic crises. They’ve also taken steps to safeguard our planet and its resources for future generations. For fifty years, National Agriculture Day and the following Agriculture Week have been upheld as a commemoration of the many contributions made to society by farmers and ranchers. This year, just like last year, we kicked off Ag Week on March 21st. 

Celebrating National Agriculture Week

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Agriculture Week, even if you don’t work directly in farming.

• Learn something new. Many great organizations provide helpful resources to help learn more about the farming industry. The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has a website that offers easy-to-grasp graphics and information surrounding National Agriculture Day that anyone can easily share with friends.
• Take a tour. Many large-scale farms offer public facility tours for individuals and groups. Search online for farms in your area for opportunities to see how an agricultural center works for you.
• Buy local. Put your money where your heart is this National Agriculture Week by purchasing meat and produce directly from local farms. Some may already be selling organic products right in your hometown grocery store!
• Start a conversation. Would you like to include others in your Agriculture Week plans? Invite them over for dinner made with all farm-fresh ingredients. You can mention where you got your food when they compliment the superb cooking. You might just inspire someone to buy from their own local farmers!
• Get in touch with local legislators. While individual purchases are great, federal funding is vital to many farm and ranch operations. Write a letter to a state representative advocating for farm initiatives.

Supporting Farmers at Every Step Along the Way

At Casey State Bank, we celebrate farmers and agricultural workers all 52 weeks of the year. We recognize how important they are to the function of this country, and we remain dedicated to providing the financial solutions that help keep their businesses thriving.

That’s why we offer agriculture loans structured with farmers in mind. Whether you want to purchase equipment, animals or farm ground, we have a financing option that fits your needs. Our team is ready to help you set up a short-term operating loan, a long-term facility investment, or anything in between.

As a way to show our appreciation of the hard work of the agricultural sector, Casey State Bank donated $250 to each of our local FFA chapters to reinforce our commitment to keeping our farmers strong. We donated to Casey-Westfield, Hutsonville, Lawrenceville, Marshall, Mattoon, Martinsville, Oblong, and Red Hill.

We’re here to help you so that you can keep feeding America’s future. If you’re ready to continue building up your farm, get in touch with the financial experts at Casey State Bank.