Allamakee County Farmers celebrate National Ag Week

National Agriculture Week, March 20-26, is a time to celebrate agriculture and give thanks to our farmers. And, as Iowans, we have plenty to celebrate.

Nearly 93,000 Iowa farms helped put the state at the top of national agriculture rankings once again. This past year, Iowa farmers ranked first in corn, hogs and egg production.

Nationally, agriculture employs more than 24 million workers who produce, process, sell and trade the nation's food and fiber. And, in Iowa, the hog and cattle industry combined provided nearly 112,000 jobs across the state.

"Farmers take pride in producing the nation's food supply while also providing a job market for so many Americans," said Mark Stock, Allamakee County Farm Bureau President. "In addition, farmers continue to work hard to protect the air, soil and water quality for everyone to enjoy."

In the last twenty years, Iowa's farmers have cut the amount of soil erosion from farmland in half. Farmers are using no-till methods, planting buffer strips and windbreaks, and using land for grazing and forage production to continue to reduce soil erosion. Of the millions of acres used to grow crops in Iowa, about 90 percent is farmed using some type of soil conservation practice.

"Farmers depend on Iowa's rich soil, climate conditions, healthy air and clean water to raise our crops and livestock," said Stock. "It's in our best interest to protect these resources so we can continue to feed the world."

National Ag Week also calls attention to safety awareness on the farm. Farming remains one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. Because of this, National Ag Week is a good time for all farm families to take time to review their own safety practices and look for ways to ensure a safe planting season for all.

To get you started, the Iowa Farm Bureau is offering Farm First Aid Kits, an $80 value, at a reduced price of $10, while supplies last. To order your kit, contact the Allamakee county Farm Bureau office at 563-568-4125.

The Allamakee County Farm Bureau will celebrate National Ag Week by having a coloring contest for 3rd and 4th graders in our county and ag trivia questions on KNEI with prizes awarded daily and a grand prize of a Farm Bureau membership on Friday.

For more info visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.