Quincy Reporter

Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) took to Facebook on March 21 to mark National Ag Day.

“#NationalAgDay, a day we remember, honor and thank our state's growers, producers, industry experts and educators,” Anderson posted on his Facebook page. “Thank you for your commitment and sacrifices to be good stewards of our land. Also a special shoutout to GROWMARK's Amy Bradford who has family ties to the 47th District and serves as the Chair of the Agriculture Council of America: National Ag Day Committee. #AgDay23”

Joanie Stiers of the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners penned an article in honor of National Ag Day and noted that families own and operate 96% of farms across Illinois. This shows that families, rather than major corporations, are responsible for how food, fuel and feed are created.

“By nature, farmers problem-solve on and off the farm with the passionate intent to make a difference,” the Illinois Farm Bureau Partners article states. “In rural towns across Illinois, farmers serve as Sunday school teachers, 4-H leaders, sports coaches, school volunteers and FFA supporters. Farm shops host community gatherings, and farmers pool their unique resources to meet needs.”

Stiers wrote about when Illinois farm families were recognized by the governor for providing labor and equipment to build a playground, displaying the hard work and versatility that the farming community brings to the state. She commended the farmers for the agricultural contributions across the state.

“The value and impact of Illinois agriculture extends beyond the state and even nation’s borders,” the article states. “Blessed with a navigable river system, Illinois ranks third nationally in the export of agricultural commodities, providing food, feed and fuel around the globe from farms owned and operated by families – families like ours who work together and gather around the table for Easter dinner, too.”

In honor of National Ag Day, the Farm Bureau’s Isabella Chism made a blog post as well. Chism is a row crop farmer in Indiana and second vice president of the Indiana Farm Bureau.

“We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much more,” Chism wrote. “Demand for college graduates with degrees related to agriculture continues to grow, according to the USDA. This includes job opportunities in management and business, such as marketers, financial advisors, credit analysts, business consultants, insurance managers and e-commerce specialists. With so much of our life depending on modern agriculture, it’s appropriate to set aside at least one day a year to recognize and celebrate our safe and abundant food supply.”

The Agriculture Council of America held a contest this year to celebrate National Ag day, which involved an essay contest with a theme: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does it Every Day.

This year’s winner was Timothy Hill of Orlando, Fla. He received a $1,000 prize and was recognized during the virtual Ag Day event held on March 21. There were three merit winners who received $100 and had essays featured in the Ag Day Blog, as well. They were Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pa.; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas.

Anderson is a Republican senator representing the 47th district and has served since 2015. He is a firefighter paramedic in Moline and resides in Andalusia with his wife and children.