U.S. capital celebrates nation’s hardworking farmers and ranchers
On March 18, individuals from all walks of life gathered in Washington, D.C. to commemorate National Ag Day, a celebration of the abundance provided by agriculture, as well as the hardworking farmers and ranchers who work around the clock, 365 days a year to provide one of the most efficient, safe, bountiful and high-quality food supplies in the world.
Conducted by the Agriculture Council of America and held on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Whitten Patio in Washington, D.C., the National Ag Day program kicked off bright and early with Ag Day at USDA, featuring guest speakers U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, USDA Deputy Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation Brooke Appleton, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and a panel of young agriculturists.
Praising producers
Rollins addressed the crowd first, noting agriculture isn’t just about livestock and land, but the resilient people who keep the industry going.
“Today, on National Agriculture Day, we recognize the people who make it all possible – the farmers, ranchers and producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, fueling and clothing our nation,” she said. “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, it is a way of life, and every day, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up. They adapt, they solve problems and they push forward, ensuring future generations can continue this proud tradition.”
“So today, let’s not just celebrate agriculture, let’s celebrate the people behind it,” she continued. “To every farmer, every rancher and every producer, we see you, we appreciate you and we thank you. Happy National Ag Day.”
Additionally, Rollins highlighted the proclamation made by President Donald J. Trump in honor of National Ag Day, which underscored the essential role of American agriculture in the nation’s economy and way of life.
Trump stated, “From the earliest days of our Republic, our farmers and agricultural communities have been the source of American success, enduring the elements and defying hard conditions to cultivate our land and feed the people. Farming is indelibly engrained in our history, customs and culture and stands to this day as the bedrock of our economy and way of life.”
“For centuries, American farmers and ranchers have been the lifeblood of the American economy. Today and every day, we extend our unending gratitude to the dedicated men and women in farming communities who embody the timeless virtues of hard work and self-reliance,” added Trump. “As we continue our new chapter of American prosperity, we commit to embolden the heroes of our agricultural community who work tirelessly with their unwavering American pride to nourish our nation, feed our families and fuel our way of life.”
Growing together
The program continued with comments from Appleton.
“For me and my team here at USDA, I would argue every day is National Ag Day,” she said. “Very few of us work in professions or pursuits that touch the lives of every American, but our farmers and ranchers do. Today’s ceremony allows us an important opportunity to formally reflect on the necessity of American agriculture for the prosperity of our country.”
She continued, “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, it’s a way of life, a cornerstone of our economy, part of the fabric of our daily lives and is essential to our national security, and the people behind it are some of the hardest working and most resilient individuals out there.”
“We know this past year has been tough, we know there have been challenges – from rising input costs to uncertainty in global markets – but one thing is certain, American producers always rise to the occasion, and USDA is here to support you every step of the way,” Appleton concluded.
Duvall also offered some comments, noting this year’s theme of “Together We Grow” is perfect for American agriculture’s current situation.
He said, “U.S. producers don’t just grow the nation’s food, fuel and fiber, they also grow innovation, technology, research and development to move their operations forward, to preserve natural resources and to create a sustainable environment. They grow in understanding by sitting down at the table to have conversations, and they grow communities, especially in rural America, where most men and women serve in local government and on various other boards.”
Celebrating the future
This year’s program also celebrated the future of agriculture by recognizing the 2025 National Ag Day video essay winners and hosting a panel of student leaders representing 4-H FFA and Agriculture Future of America.
Of the 150 video essays submitted by ninth through 12th grade students across the nation, three were honored at the National Ag Day celebration. The contest’s theme was “Why Food Security Equals National Security,” and prizes included $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place.
The 2025 first-place winner was Tuongvy Nguyen of Saint Petersburg, Fla., followed by Kristen Dallas from Las Vegas in second and Isabella Newell of Waltonville, Ill. in third.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
