Chenango County celebrates National Ag Day
Bradd Vickers discussed the importance of agriculture, not only to the people of Chenango County, but to the entire state of New York. (Zachary Meseck photo)
GREENE – The Chenango County Farm Bureau, state, and local representatives met with members of the agriculture community on Wednesday to celebrate agriculture and discuss its national importance.
The Agriculture Recognition Day event was held by the Chenango County Farm Bureau at The Silo Restaurant in Greene, and attendees heard speeches from Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers, and New York State Ag and Markets Deputy Commissioner Dave Valesky.
Proclamation awards were presented by representative Joseph Angelino from the office of Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, and from Chenango County Board of Supervisor officials.
“I think it’s important particularly on a day like today to show our gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible,” said Vickers. “American farmers and ranchers are not only an integral part of the economy, but they represent and characterize what has made America great: hard work.”
According to Vickers, the average United States farmer in 1960 fed around 26 people annually, but now farmers are expected to feed around 165 people––more than six times the previous amount. He said with increasing loads on agriculture and less incentive to stay in the business, even members of his own board are considering selling off their businesses.
“To feed the world in the next 50 years, farmers will need to produce more food than was previously produced in the last 10,000 years combined,” he said. "According to the latest statistics, by 2050 it is projected that there will be 9.2 billion people on the planet, and recent estimates suggest that food production will have to increase by 70 percent if we are to feed everyone."
Vickers did note even with added demands in struggling economic conditions, agriculture continues to be the number one industry in Chenango County and New York State.
"Even though it's struggling, there's an entire industry dedicated to providing safe, abundant, and affordable products, a strong economy, a source of renewable energy, and a world of job opportunities," said Vickers. "If we don't take care of agriculture the rest doesn't really matter."
He said not only does agriculture support people, but it also supports wildlife.
"Farmers and ranchers also provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation's wildlife," said Vickers. "New technology means farmers are more environmentally friendly as well."
The Agriculture Recognition Day event was held by the Chenango County Farm Bureau at The Silo Restaurant in Greene, and attendees heard speeches from Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers, and New York State Ag and Markets Deputy Commissioner Dave Valesky.
Proclamation awards were presented by representative Joseph Angelino from the office of Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, and from Chenango County Board of Supervisor officials.
“I think it’s important particularly on a day like today to show our gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible,” said Vickers. “American farmers and ranchers are not only an integral part of the economy, but they represent and characterize what has made America great: hard work.”
According to Vickers, the average United States farmer in 1960 fed around 26 people annually, but now farmers are expected to feed around 165 people––more than six times the previous amount. He said with increasing loads on agriculture and less incentive to stay in the business, even members of his own board are considering selling off their businesses.
“To feed the world in the next 50 years, farmers will need to produce more food than was previously produced in the last 10,000 years combined,” he said. "According to the latest statistics, by 2050 it is projected that there will be 9.2 billion people on the planet, and recent estimates suggest that food production will have to increase by 70 percent if we are to feed everyone."
Vickers did note even with added demands in struggling economic conditions, agriculture continues to be the number one industry in Chenango County and New York State.
"Even though it's struggling, there's an entire industry dedicated to providing safe, abundant, and affordable products, a strong economy, a source of renewable energy, and a world of job opportunities," said Vickers. "If we don't take care of agriculture the rest doesn't really matter."
He said not only does agriculture support people, but it also supports wildlife.
"Farmers and ranchers also provide food and habitat for 75 percent of the nation's wildlife," said Vickers. "New technology means farmers are more environmentally friendly as well."
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