WINNEMUCCA - Did you know that over 21 million Americans are employed in agriculture or agriculture-related jobs that produce, process, sell and trade the nation's food and fiber, but only 4.6 million people actually live on farms or ranches?
This is slightly less than 2 percent of the total U.S. population. In the 1930s, approximately 30 percent of Americans lived on farms.
Today, over 97 percent of U.S. farms and ranches are operated by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations. The average American farmer or rancher raises enough food to feed 144 people in the U.S. and abroad.
By 2050, it is projected that the world population will grow from 7 billion to 9 billion, and farmers will need to double food production to keep pace.
It is no secret that agriculture is a vital part of this country and support for agriculture must remain strong. It is also no secret that the United States produces some of the safest and highest-quality food in the world.
In celebration of U.S. agriculture, Agriculture in the Classroom will sponsor the 12th annual "Ag Fair" at the Winnemucca Events Complex on April 11.
Agriculture in the Classroom is a nationwide campaign that educates children across the country of the importance and role agriculture plays in our daily lives. From the food we eat to the paper we write on, almost every aspect of our lives is in one way or another affected or influenced by agriculture.
Members of the Farm Bureau, Humboldt County Cattlewomen, FFA and countless other volunteers will come together on April 11 for the Ag Fair in Humboldt County.
Third graders from all over Humboldt County are invited to participate. Students will be treated to presentations on beef cattle (care and importance), seeds (from seed to plant to food), beef byproducts, bees (importance), rabbits (varieties and care of), sheep (wool and care of), animal care (importance), pigs (breeding and care of), "It's More Than Food" (where food comes from), mint (growing and use), dairy cattle, goats, rangeland resources, entomology (bugs), and a tractor station. Teachers are provided with suggested agricultural resources and materials to use in the classroom.
During the Ag Fair students and participants will be served hot dogs and side dishes prepared by volunteers. In addition, each student will receive a packet of agricultural-related materials to take home and share with family and friends.
This event is possible due to the efforts of many. Thank you to all who generously contribute their time and energy. Thank you also to those that donated to the Ag Fair including: Nevada Beef Council, Barrick Gold Corp., Newmont Mining Corp., Hycroft Gold Mine, Nevada Dairy Council, Nevada Farm Bureau, Humboldt County Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hollingsworth Inc. and American Angus Association.
For more information on the Ag Fair, please contact Sharon Barton at the Cooperative Extension Service at (775) 623-6304.
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