17 States Declare Nov. 20 As “Thank A Farmer” Day

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Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

In recognition of the 22 million Americans who work on farms or in farm-related jobs, a number of government officials and ag secretaries have issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 20, 2009, “Thank your Farmers and Ranchers” day in their respective states. This came as a result of beef checkoff and state beef council efforts around the “Give Thanks” campaign.

Participating states include:  Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

“The Colorado Beef Council has sincere appreciation for the checkoff-funded ‘Give Thanks’ campaign and we are very proud to be one of the states declaring this day as ‘Thank a Farmer’ day,” says Fred Lombardi, Colorado Beef Council executive director. “It has really brought a heightened sense of awareness in consumers and activated beef producers throughout Colorado. We’re thankful for their dedication to the beef industry EVERY day.”

These state officials noted that the holiday season is a good time to remember that America’s agricultural sector works to provide consumers with safe, wholesome and affordable foods that nourish bodies and create the centerpieces for our traditional family gatherings and celebrations. In fact, the average U.S. farmer now feeds 144 people a day, in the United States and abroad, compared to 46 people in 1960. And, many consumers aren’t aware of where their food comes from, since the average American is now three generations removed from farming as a livelihood.

“Farmers and ranchers not only provide the food we eat, but also help sustain rural communities, preserve open space and wildlife habitat, and protect the environment,” said North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) President Jack Reich, a Zap, N.D., rancher.

Here are a few farm facts:

(Sources: 2007 U.S. Census of Agriculture, USDA, 111.agcensus.suda.gov; Agriculture Council of America, Overland Park, Kan.)     

For more information about checkoff-funded activities, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.



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The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
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