Feature Friday: The Consumer

     This week we've celebrated National Ag Week and Ag Day and no one is happier than myself to be a part of the agriculture industry. Like most farmers, I'm not the first in my family to continue to live on the farm and enjoy a life in production agriculture. Yes, this is a choice I have made but it's really made possible by the consumer. I've thought about this a lot after reading Madeline Moore's blog post "National Ag Day"  located at www.madelinemoore.wordpress.com, where she quoted Ray Prock "It's National Ag Day, have you hugged a consumer?"
     The consumer. Our neighbors, friends, and millions of people we don't know. Farmers and ranchers rely on the consumer to purchase our products and by-products of the industry. Knowing this, it is so important to keep the consumer informed and educated about all aspects of the industry.
     I want to take this time to thank those informed, knowledgeable, supportive consumers who proudly purchase U.S. produced meat, vegetables, fruit,  grain, clothing, wood, and all the other items made with by-products like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, and leathers.
     As we end National Ag Week continue to celebrate your role in the agriculture industry, whether you are a producer or a consumer. Stay informed and educated, and support your local producers! It only helps the economy and you know where your food comes from.