Tennessee Celebrates "Ag Day" by Thanking Farmers

NASHVILLE - This week, Tennesseans are taking time out to thank farmers for our food and many other commodities we use and enjoy every day. In celebration of National Ag Day, Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed March 20th as Ag Day in Tennessee.

“As one of the top industries in Tennessee, agriculture is truly something to be celebrated,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “Tennesseans can thank their local farmers and agribusinesses for what they contribute not only to the local economy and the nation but to our quality of life.”

Tennessee has more than 79,000 farms encompassing more than 10.9 million acres of land in farms. Agricultural production alone, excluding forest products, generates more than $3 billion annually in farm cash receipts. The total economic impact of agriculture and forestry on the state’s economy is estimated at $78 billion annually, contributing more than half a million jobs according to agricultural economists with the University of Tennessee.

Tennessee’s top agricultural commodities include beef cattle, poultry, soybeans, corn, greenhouse and nursery products, wheat, dairy products and other livestock. Tennessee now ranks second in the nation in the number of meat goats.

Although there has been a decline in the number of farms in the last few years, farmers are still successfully working to keep their farms viable. Agritourism, a new sector of tourism, has been a very successful venture for some farmers Tennessee. In 2007, agritourism generated more than $6.5 million in farm income in the state. There are currently more than 600 agritourism venues in the state ranging from pick-your-own produce, to hay rides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and educational tours.

On April 13th, Tennessee lawmakers will celebrate ‘Ag Day on the Hill.’ The day will highlight the importance of farming and forestry to the state of Tennessee and create awareness of an industry that contributes to the state’s environment, culture, economy and beautiful landscape. ‘Ag Day on the Hill’ will feature a variety of events and exhibits, including livestock and farm equipment displays, and special presentations to the House Agriculture Committee.

“Ag Day on the Hill is our way of showing support for agriculture, our farmers and what they contribute to our state’s well-being every day,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Stratton Bone of Lebanon. “It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of among our state’s leaders and the general public about the challenges and opportunities that agriculture presents for our state’s future.”

The event will also feature the popular legislative “milk-off” to determine the champion dairy milker among lawmakers. The contest will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, which works to solve hunger issues and provide food to the hungry throughout the region.

For more information about National Ag Day, complete with facts, information and event planning tips, visit www.AgDay.org.