National AG Day

Today we celebrate National AG Day!

As a farmer I celebrate all my fellow farmers who help to produce the safest and most affordable food in the world. I am truly proud of producing a nutritious product for my neighborhood, state and world. Farming goes beyond just a job though, and I choose this lifestyle to farm with my family, be outdoors and work with our beautiful Ladies. I am so blessed in this industry.

While Oregon has 240 dairy farm families and ranks as the 4th agriculture commodity in Oregon which contributes over $1 billion annually to the Oregon economy this week during Nation Agriculture Week I enjoy celebrating Oregon’s diversity. In fact Oregon agriculture as whole is the second largest economic driver in the state. From dairy to grass seed, berries, vegetables and row crops, mint, seafood, wine grapes, Christmas trees, beef, nursery stock, hazelnuts, pears, apples, are you getting the idea, if it grows you can probably find it grown in Oregon! There are 220+ recognized commodities in Oregon, making it a specialty crop state. It’s a diversity I often marvel at as I travel across our great state and makes me realize why the Oregon Trail ended in this Garden of Eden!

As you go about your day and remember that March 15th is National AG Day (and your week, as we celebrate all week long) I hope you’ll take a minute to think about the people and families behind many of the products you use every day.