Honoring the Resilience of American Agriculture This Independence Day

By AgAmerica Lending

Agriculture has been at the forefront of American history since its inception as a liberated country. 

In the early 1800s, more than 80 percent of the American labor force worked in agriculture. Today, less than two percent of America’s working population provides for the entire nation, meaning our American farmers have an enormous weight on their shoulders to maintain financial security while sustaining our country and abroad.

The dedication of American farmers and ranchers to a purpose beyond their own self-interest embodies what the American flag represents – hardiness, perseverance, justice and freedom. 

In honor of our national day of independence, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the hardworking individuals who continue to sustain this country.

What it means to be an AgAmerican

To be an American in agriculture, or an AgAmerican, means to understand, appreciate and respect the essential nature of the American agriculture industry. 

Our farmers and ranchers are at the heart of AgAmerican pride. They are the unsung heroes of our nation, who shoulder the weight of risks daily for the benefit of the American people.

This holiday weekend, we invite the public to dive into values which shape families within the agriculture community and learn what it means to be #AgAmericanProud

Six values defining
American agriculture

Few words can truly convey the character of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. However, having had the privilege to capture the stories of family-owned farm operations across the nation and listen to their unique stories of triumph as well as heartbreak, we’ve come to recognize six underlying values shared by the American farmer.

1. Grit: Strength of character is measured by the ability to accomplish goals in the face of adversity. American agriculture takes grit to get the job done even in the most trying of times.

Unpredictable events, from natural disasters to an unprecedented pandemic, makes grit an undeniable component of the industry.

2. Resilience: Though similar, resiliency differs from grit in that it represents the ability to bounce back after overcoming obstacles once one has persevered in the midst of trials. Both are necessary and deeply embedded in the roots of American agriculture.

3. Altruism: The farming way of life is an act of selfless passion, working towards a goal which goes beyond personal ambition. But, rather than simply putting the needs of the collective ahead of their own, farmers and ranchers align their personal mission with the needs of the collective. 

Despite unforeseeable obstacles arising, they continue to carry on each day for the greater good of society.

4. Stewardship: Land is a farmer’s most precious asset. Family-owned farms value this land as another family member – a member who holds the rich legacy of their generational history within its soil. 

Being a steward of agricultural land is an enormous responsibility to maintain and enhance the valuable resources within it for future generations.

5. Dedication: Farming is not an industry where one can leave their work at the office at the end of the day or forget about it on the weekends. It goes beyond a typical job and is ingrained into their way of life. 

The American farmer’s dedication to agriculture instills an appreciation for hard work and a deep sense of accomplishment when it comes time to harvest the fruits of their labor. 

6. Family: The more an individual talks to American farmers, the more they will realize they cherish quality time with the ones they love above all else. 

One of the aspects valued the most in the agricultural community is the opportunity to experience life on a farm together. The profound sense of loyalty and fellowship within these family-owned farms as they work towards a common goal is an inspiration in modern American society.

Proud to be
an AgAmerican

Of the more than two million agriculture operations in America, 98 percent of them are family-owned farms. These families make personal sacrifices each day for the good of our society. 

Without their hard work and dedication, the food security of our nation would be reliant on land beyond our borders, in turn, compromising the very freedom this country was founded on. In order to sustain this way of life, the American people must unite with AgAmerican pride to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

Join us in advocating for the critical role of American agriculture this Fourth of July by sharing the video, “Proud to be an AgAmerican” with friends and family. 

Use the hashtag #AgAmericanProud to spread awareness for this essential way of life and share what American agriculture or what being an American farmer or rancher means to you.

This article was originally published by AgAmerica Lending on June 28, 2022 and can be found at agamerica.com.