Today marks the 49th anniversary of National Ag Day.  The celebration is held in conjunction with National Ag Week which runs from March 21-25 this year.  The day is set aside to highlight agriculture and to celebrate the farmers, ranchers and others in the agriculture industry that keep America – and the world – clothed and fed.

In Georgia, agriculture is the state’s number one industry. Georgia’s farmers and ranchers produced more than $12.2 billion worth of agricultural commodities in 2020, according to the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development. Agriculture had an economic impact of $69.4 billion on the state’s economy while providing 352,430 jobs.

To celebrate farmers and the many contributions they make to our state, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has declared March 21-25 as Georgia Ag Week.

Here in Chattooga County, farmers produce poultry, beef cattle, cotton and other crops.  One of the county’s leading employers – Mount Vernon Mills – relies on cotton, one of Georgia’s leading crops.

Fifth graders from across the county will come to the Chattooga County Ag Building today to learn more about agriculture and how it impacts our everyday lives.  The students from both Trion City Schools and Chattooga County Schools will have the opportunity to see and hear how our farmers and agricultural producers work to make sure we can all eat safe and healthy food and all the many ways agriculture impacts our lives.

WZQZ Radio wants to say thank you to all the farmers in Chattooga County and our listening area for the work they do to keep us clothed and fed.