Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural News and Information

Greg Gibson, Coordinator
Public Relations / Multimedia
1-800-227-8244 ext. 4154
or 601-977-4154
email: ggibson@msfb.org

National Ag Week focuses on America ’s farmers

In 1935, the number of farms in the United States peaked at 6.8 million. Today, there are 2.13 million farms dotting America ’s rural landscape. Texas had the most farms (229,000) in 2003, followed by Missouri (106,000), Iowa (90,000), Tennessee (87,000), Kentucky (87,000) and Oklahoma (83,500). Mississippi has about 42,000 farms covering 11 million acres.

American farmers now provide consumers with better quality food at a lower price. U.S. consumers spend roughly 9 percent of their income on food compared with 22 percent in the United Kingdom , 26 percent in Japan , 28 percent in South Africa and 51 percent in India .

“We often take for granted the abundance of food and fiber that we have in this nation,” said David Waide , president of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. “This week focuses on where that food and fiber comes from and that’s from the producers who till the soil and produce that abundance for the American consumer.”

All Americans are asked to enjoy and admire the wonders of American agriculture as National Agriculture Week is observed March 19-25, and National Agriculture Day is celebrated on March 20.

“America ’s farmers and ranchers produce a rich and diverse bounty each and every day. Their commitment and strong work ethic often yields a 24 hours a day, seven days a week investment in agriculture, said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Farm Bureau is pleased to again offer wholehearted support the National Agriculture Week campaign. This is an excellent opportunity for all Americans to join together to learn more about the farmers and ranchers who contribute so much to the prosperity of our nation.”

“I hope we can focus our attention this week on how lucky we are as a nation to be well-fed and well-clothed,” Waide said.

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The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general farm organization with more than 230,000 member-families statewide.  There are Farm Bureaus in all 82 counties in Mississippi where agriculture comprises a fundamental part of Mississippi 's economy.  Headquartered in Jackson , the federation is an independent, non-profit agricultural organization and is not associated with any arm of the government.  For more information about Farm Bureau, visit our website at www.msfb.com.