National Farmers Day – October 12, 2022, history, significance
Farmers Day is celebrated every year on October 12! The profession of farming began around 12,000 years ago with the domestication of livestock as hunter/gatherers settled down and started to plant their own food. In short, farming is one of the oldest jobs around. So let‘s take a moment to give some love to all the farmers who work tirelessly to feed us year round.
History of National Farmers Day
The history and origin of this National Farmers Day are anonymous. It was earlier known as Old Farmers Day. A farmer or an agriculturist is a person engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials.
It refers to the individual who works in raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, poultry, or other livestock. A farmer is usually a farm owner. Over the years, there have been lots of advanced and scientific methods or tools available to cultivate the field. Earlier, farmers worked hard on their hands and with some farm animals to grow plants. The celebration of the day is to show them your gratitude to farmers.
Farming is an ancient profession that dates back as far as the Neolithic era. The month of October marks the celebration of those old farmers. The celebration of the day falls on this month as most of the harvestings are done during this time. Every culture has a long and varied history when it comes to agriculture, farming, and farmer.
One could find differences in the type of crops grown or the land from which it has come. Despite these differences, one thing survives the same, the farmers. It is those farmers whose primary intention is to plow, cultivate and yield crops. Without those farmers, and life isn’t possible on this mother earth. It is their hard work that every one of us has on the dining table.
Every other farmer work for the benefit of society and its people. Farming is neither a simple task. They work in the summer, winter, autumn, and spring without any vacation. They face numerous problems during every cultivation. Farmers are those who serve food to the world, and certainly, he is the one who is poor even after feeding others.
Every work from the smallest to the biggest done by any farmer needs to appreciate. Imagine how we would live without food? Farmers are the backbone of any community without which a nation cannot attain the highest position. Take this day as a good time to listen and learn from them about their ancient farming techniques.
FARMERS DAY TIMELINE
12,000 BCE
Let’s settle
People began to leave their nomadic hunter gatherer lifestyle and settled down as farmers.
Mid 1600s
You say you want a revolution
The British Agricultural Revolution began due to an unprecedented increase in agricultural production.
1902
The National Farmers Union was founded.
The NFU was founded in Texas by ten family farmers. The union advocated for voting rights for women, fair market access for farmers, and increased co-operative rights.
1934
Farm to table goods
Farmer’s Markets began in Los Angeles as a way for farmers and merchants can sell their wares from permanent stalls.
TRADITIONS OF NATIONAL FARMERS DAY
Thank a farmer
They’re the backbone of the breadbasket and what feeds not just this country, but many other nations as agriculture is usually a major export. Make sure you thank a farmer today for all their hard work keeping bread on tables everywhere!
Buy from a local farmer
One of the best ways to thank a farmer is with your wallet. Head to a farmer’s market or join a local CSA (community supported agriculture) to get some fresh, local produce, eggs, or even grass-fed meat.
Start a garden
Or become one yourself! Growing your own food is one of hte most sustainable and rewarding ways to celebrate National Farmer’s Day. It may have a tough learning curve to plant and grow just a few tomatoes, but the taste of tomatoes right off the vine will make it all worth it.
STATS ABOUT NATIONAL FARMERS DAY
- 2 million – the number of farms in the U.S.
- $1 trillion – The contribution of agriculture to the US economy.
- 1.3% – The percentage of the U.S. labor force made up by ranchers.
- 90% – The percentage of U.S. crop losses caused by extreme weather
- 50,000 – The number of jobs available in agriculture in the U.S each year.
- 40% – The percentage of crop cash that is generated by corn and soybeans.
- 166 – The number of people the average U.S farm feeds each year.
- 25% – The percentage of food that Americans throw away every month.
FARMERS DAY ACTIVITIES
Go to a farmers market
Support your local farmers by shopping at the local Farmer’s Market. Keep in mind that by shopping with small businesses, you are helping an entrepreneur provide for their family or expand their business. America has a history of family farming and your support helps keep their dreams alive.
Start your own mini-farm
According to one of the top Kansas City PR Firms, only 2% of Americans grow their own food. What better way to celebrate National Farmers Day than to become your own farmer? Think how awesome would it be if your favorite fruits or veggies were growing in your backyard. Don’t have a yard? No Problem. Many neighborhoods have community gardens where you can test out your green thumb.
Earn your stripes with a farmer’s tan
We’re not saying to throw out your sun block, but it might be fun to show solidarity with your local farmers by sporting your own t-shirt tan! Enjoy the sunny day outdoors and learn the true meaning of a Farmer’s Tan.
WHY WE LOVE FARMERS DAY
Farmers perform one of the world’s oldest jobs
Farming developed independently all over the globe, whether is was farming rice, wheat, bananas, shrimp, or almonds, farmers are working tirelessly all over the globe to feed the world.
They grow our food
It is hard to imagine a world without having access to fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there is a group of professionals that dedicate themselves to growing the perfect produce. Farmer’s play a vital role in our society by providing us with the luxury of purchasing fruit and vegetables at any given time.
Farmers are dedicated, hard workers
Deciding to be a farmer is a decision that not many take lightly. Creating a farm requires investment, tons of hard work, equipment, time and a passion for growing food.
