A-FAN notes importance of agriculture on Ag Day, celebrates 100th Nebraska farm family assisted

A week after helping its 100th farm family address issues and develop a plan relating to expanding its livestock operation, A-FAN recognizes the importance of agriculture by acknowledging National Agriculture Day on March 21, 2007.

LINCOLN, NEB. March 14, 2007 — The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN) assisted its 100th farm family last week, a positive sign that there are farm and ranch families in Nebraska that are looking to get into or expand their livestock or poultry operations.

Roger Berry, field director of A-FAN, said many times families aren’t sure where to start in getting their livestock and poultry questions answered. “A-FAN is here to help answer those questions, and get them to think through other considerations about their operation, including being a good neighbor,” he said. “We’re proud of the fact that we’ve been able to help 100 farm families have more information in their hands, giving them a greater chance for success when they want to start up or expand their livestock operations.”

Berry said agriculture provides one in three jobs in Nebraska—and animal agriculture adds more than $7 billion to the state’s economy. “People sometimes forget all the benefits of agriculture and the fact that it is the backbone of Nebraska—and the nation as a whole,” Berry said. “So as A-FAN celebrates a milestone in helping Nebraska families, it is important that we acknowledge the significance of agriculture to the state and country. That’s why National Agriculture Day is important.”

National Ag Day, a day to honor agriculture for providing safe, abundant and affordable products, a strong economy, a source of renewable energy and a world of job opportunities, occurs every year on the first day of spring—March 21 this year. However, festivities are beginning early, as it will be observed March 15 in Washington, D.C., at the annual Ag Day Luncheon.

American farmers provide consumers with more and better quality food than ever before. In fact, one farmer now supplies food for about 129 people in the United States and abroad compared with just 26 people in 1960.

“The efficiency at which Nebraska and American farmers produce food also pays off in the prices American consumers pay for food,” Berry said. “In fact, U.S. consumers spend only 9 percent of their income on food, compared with 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa and 53 percent in India.”

A-FAN was formed in 2006 by Nebraska producer organizations to support the expansion of responsible livestock production across the state.

Farmers, ranchers and communities interested in learning more about the services provided by A-FAN are encouraged to visit www.a-fan.org or call toll free 1.888.580.2326 (1.888.580.AFAN).