Galesburg Reporter

In a March 21 Facebook post, Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) marked National Ag Day. 

"#NationalAgDay, a day we remember, honor and thank our state's growers, producers, industry experts and educators" Anderson posted. "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"

"Families own and operate an overwhelming 96% of Illinois farms, a statistic worth recognizing in this season that honors National Agriculture Day, on or near the first day of spring each year" an article by Illinois Farm Bureau Partners says. "That means families, not corporations, make most decisions about how we grow food, feed and fuel. By nature, farmers problem-solve on and off the farm with the passionate intent to make a difference. 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. A few years ago, farm families in our community provided the equipment and skilled labor necessary to erect a park playground, a volunteer effort that even the governor recognized and awarded. The value and impact of Illinois agriculture extends beyond the state and even nation’s borders. 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."

A blog post for the Farm Bureau also commemorated the occasion.

“On this day we celebrate American agriculture and our farm and ranch families who take great pride in growing a safe, sustainable food supply" the blog post said. "We also recognize and celebrate their role in producing biofuels for transportation, fiber for clothing and other textiles, building materials and so much more. 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. Join me on March 21, National Ag Day 2023, to celebrate America’s farm and ranch families."

The Agriculture Council of America organizes National Ag Day celebrations each year, including an essay contest.

Anderson represents the 47th Senate District and has served in this role since 2015. He is a firefighter paramedic in Moline. He lives with his wife and children in Andalusia.