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Thanksgiving season is a time when Americans gather with their families and reflect upon many blessings. One of those blessings is a nutritious and diverse food supply produced by farmers and ranchers. We also benefit from other agricultural products that provide clothing, housing, medicines, fuel and other products we use on a daily basis. These basic necessities are available to us because of a broad partnership of farmers, ranchers, processors, brokers, truckers, shippers, scientists, wholesalers and retailers. Our collaborative partnerships help maintain our standard of living.

In appreciation of our farm-city partnerships, Farm-City Week is celebrated the week leading up to Thanksgiving: Nov. 17-24, 2021. This week is used to recognize the beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities that make our food supply safe and plentiful. Farmers and ranchers rely on essential partnerships with urban communities to supply, sell and deliver finished products across the country and around the world. Consumer purchases, in turn, make sustainable farm enterprise possible. Food, fiber and renewable fuel are available to us because of the daily relationships among farmers and ranchers, processors, brokers, truckers, shippers, advertisers, wholesalers and retailers. The collective efforts by these members of our society provide a wholesome diet for everyone. In addition, farms and ranches conserve freshwater resources, wildlife habitat and greenspace.

Farmers work 365 days a year to provide food, fiber and fuel. Be thankful for the farmers and ranchers in our country. They continuously seek ways to improve farming methods while providing safe and healthful products. Rural and urban communities work together to build our nation’s agricultural resources so that they can continue to contribute to the health and well-being of our country and the strength of our economy.

In addition to supplying food, fiber and fuel, agriculture also provides employment to more than 22 million people. Agriculture, food, and related industries contribute over $1 trillion to U.S. gross domestic products. Farmers also benefit from urban centers. Distributors, restaurants, grocers, producers, and more provide expanded utilization of the farm product.

Whether they provide food, medicines, or textiles to consumers, they have an economic impact in their city and rural communities. Learn more about farming and the mutual benefits they receive when doing business with merchants in the city. While we consider where the food on our table comes from this Thanksgiving, think about the impact of farms on your life. No matter where we live, on the farm or in the city, a farmer touches our lives.

#FarmCityWeek #Thankful #Blessed