Beech Tree News Network

Lexington, KY – On Thursday, Kentucky Farm Service Agency State Executive Director John W. McCauley marked the celebration of National Ag Day by recognizing the continuing hard work of Kentucky farmers and ranchers.  National Ag Day presents an opportunity each year to highlight the importance of farmers and ranchers in America’s overall economy; acknowledge and promote career opportunities in agricultural industries; and educate the public on how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced.

Farmers and ranchers remain a strong driver of our economy, creating jobs in rural America while providing affordable meals for Americans everywhere – and USDA is proud of the role it has played in supporting them. One in 12 jobs in the American economy is linked to agriculture, and the sector is the second most productive nationwide.

Our country’s farmers and ranchers provide American consumers with 83 percent of the food we consume, at affordable prices that leave more dollars in families’ pockets for other household priorities.

Farmers are critical partners in the renewable energy market, adapting to new technologies and innovations that allow Americans to utilize cutting edge biofuels to power our communities and achieve greater energy independence.

And agricultural producers are leading stewards of our natural resources, protecting wetlands, grassland, wildlife habitat and waterways through responsible land management that benefits rural and urban communities alike.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. Here in Kentucky, the Farm Service Agency remains committed to supporting their important work through effective delivery of price support, disaster assistance, conservation, and farm loan programs.

Just last year, Kentucky FSA delivered more than $444 million in assistance to our producers, and made 1,557 loans totaling $131,433,447 million to small and medium-sized farmers and ranchers in the state. And we are continuing our work with other USDA agencies to highlight resources available for new farmers, open access to local markets, and educate Americans about where their food comes from.

On National Ag Day, FSA encourages all Americans to recognize our agricultural producers – the most productive in the world – and thank farmers for their hard work on behalf of our country.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).