March 20th marks the first day of spring and National Ag Day a day when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, agencies, and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by Agriculture. In its 33rd year, the National Ag Day program is still committed to increasing public awareness about American agriculture.

As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food and fiber that the United States farmer produces. With world population at 5.5 billion today and expected to reach 7.9 billion by the year 2020, American agriculture must meet global needs for food and fiber now and in the future. National Agriculture Week, March 19 – 25 and National Agriculture Day, March 20th will be highlighting global challenges and opportunities for United States agriculture.

Not only are American farmers concerned about feeding the world, but they are also just as concerned about preserving the environment. Farmers are taking big strides in working to preserve the natural resources—water, air and soil—which form the backbone of food and fiber production. No-till farming, contour farming, strip cropping, terraces, and other conservation practices have reduced soil erosion by 25 percent over the past ten years. AM 1180 Chattooga County Radio along with The Chattooga County Farm Bureau, Chattooga County Commissioner Jason Winters, The Chattooga County Cooperative Extension, Chattooga Farm and Garden, North Georgia Equipment Sales and Black and Meek Milling Company as we salute area farmers all next week as National Ag Week is celebrated.