Happy National Farmer’s Day!
It is a time when we reflect on the ones that provide the clothes on our backs and the food on our tables.
Many people may not know this, but today was previously known as Old Farmer’s Day because when agriculture used to be a more common career in everyday life. Also, agriculture is believed to be one of the world’s oldest industries.
Why October 12th?
National Farmer’s Day was proclaimed on October 12th because it is after the harvest times of many crops before technologies were put into practice to extend the growing season, so farmers could join in the celebration because they were done with the harvest!
Not all celebrations are held on the 12th, though. In Louisiana, there is an Old Farmer’s Day festival held on October 21st and 22nd, where they re-enact farmer’s lives before things like a gasoline engines were created, according to Almanac.com
Farmer Facts
More than 97 percent of farms in America are family farms: family-owned and family-operated, according to the American Farm Bureau.
Each American farmer produces food and fiber for 165 people annually, both in the U.S. and internationally.
About 11 percent of U.S. farmers are currently serving or have served in the military.
25 percent of all farmers are beginning farmers and their average age is 46.
Women make up about 36 percent of the total number of U.S. farm operators, and 56 percent of all farms have at least one female.
Whether they provide food to be eaten, clothes to be worn, or products to be used, make sure you thank a farmer today!
