Natural Resources Conservation Service Supports Ag Day

Little Rock, Ark., March 12, 2007 – Today, National Agriculture Day is celebrated throughout Arkansas.  “Ag Day is a good time to reflect - and be grateful for - Arkansas agriculture . . . and to share that message with others,” said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

Agriculture in Arkansas

In fiscal year 2006, NRCS distributed $36,802,027 into Arkansas’ economy through its Farm Bill programs.

Agriculture is the state’s largest industry—more than $6 billion annually change hands in the agriculture business.  It accounts for one forth of the state’s economic activity, and provides one out of every five jobs.  Arkansas is home to 47,483 farms and 69,504 farmers, according to the 2002 census report.  One American farmer feeds more than 144 people in the U.S. and abroad. 

“And it's not just the farmer who makes our food possible.  The entire agriculture industry, all the way to the grocery store, provides vital links in a chain that brings food to millions of people,” Trice said.

Arkansas ranks first nationally in rice production, and second in poultry, cotton and catfish harvested, third in turkey production and forth in yellow pine produced. 

“Frankly, it's easy to take agriculture for granted in Arkansas.  Our food is readily accessible and safe.  For this, we're unbelievably fortunate . . . but that doesn't mean we don't have an obligation to recognize how it's made possible,” said Trice said.

Agriculture across the Nation

More than three million people farm or ranch in the United States.  Individuals, family partnerships or corporations operate almost 99 percent of U.S. farms.  Over 22 million people are employed in farm or farm-related jobs, including production agriculture, farm inputs, processing and marketing, and wholesale and retail sales.

Agriculture is the nation's #1 export and vitally important in sustaining a healthy economy.  The top five agricultural commodities are cattle and calves, dairy products, broilers, corn, and soybeans.  U.S. farmers produce 46 percent of the world’s soybeans, 41 percent of the world’s corn, 20.5 percent of the world’s cotton and 13 percent of the world’s wheat.

Farmers and ranchers are independent business people who provide for their families by growing and producing food and fiber.  They use modern production techniques to increase the quality and quantity of the food they produce.   Forty-one percent of U.S. total land area is farmland (938.28 million acres).  In 1900, the average farm size was 147 acres, compared to 441 acres today.

NRCS is proud to help landowners care for the land.  We salute farmers and ranchers for their dedication and hard work.

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