Agriculture Day 2023
March 21, 2023
Agriculture Day (Ag Day) is a day to recognize, promote and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. This year Ag Day celebrates 50 years of recognizing and honoring the importance of American agriculture.
The agriculture sector in the United States employs 22 million people and there are about 2 million farms across the United States. One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually. The average time a farmer operator spends on the farm in a lifetime is 58.3 years. 11% of the farmers in the U.S. previously served in the military and women make up 36% of the total number of U.S. farm operators.
More than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. Deer, moose, birds and other species have shown significant population increases for decades thanks to the careful stewardship of the land.
Check out these ideas for celebrating Ag Day and thanking America’s farmers and ag families for feeding, clothing, and sheltering us.
- Plant a garden – you can even plant a larger garden and donate your surplus food to a local food shelf.
- Consider yourself a master gardener? Teach a child (or a friend!) about gardening.
- Share a favorite recipe that uses locally grown food.
- Educate yourself and others about the intricacies of farming and agriculture. You can start by researching agricultural issues that affect our community.
- Contact your legislator and remind them of the importance of supporting farm initiatives. (Note: this is the year that the legislature revisits the Farm Bill, which focuses on US and global food aid, farm and ag requirements and subsidies, and food assistance programs for those dealing from hunger; if the current proposed Farm Bill does not pass, a number of programs would lose funding, and others would revert back to outdated law from the 1949 Farm Bill, so this is an important year to share your support for nutrition, sustainability and equity in our food systems!).
- Use social media for good! Share what agriculture means to you – whether it’s a recipe, a story or just a photo of your favorite farmer’s market!
- Visit farmer’s markets. Buy local produce. Take it a step further and try making a ‘farm to table’ meal, consisting of only items grown from local farms.
- Consider buying a local CSA share for the upcoming season (Community Supported Agriculture).
- Join a local Coop grocery store in your area to support local farmers.
- Try out some new recipes with locally grown fruits and veggies this summer.
- Support the Rural Life Fund of Catholic Charities, to help offer one-time emergency assistance to rural families facing an unexpected financial hardship.
- Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th to plan to attend the annual Rural Life Celebration put on by Catholic Charities and the Diocese of St. Cloud (more details to come!)
- Visit a local farm that offers tours or activities. You could try Fairhaven Farms in Fairhaven, Country Blossom Farm in Alexandria, Coffman Apple Orchard in Wheaton, Green Island Farm in Wadena, Oliver Kelley Farm near Elk River, The Redhead Creamery near Brooten or Lida Farm in Pelican Rapids.
Our Recent News
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.
