It’s an undisputed truth: farmers are important to both rural and urban population centers. Without the food that they bring to market, we would all have to grow or raise our own food, and the population would suffer from malnutrition and repeated famines. Farmers not only fuel our food supply, but they also do it efficiently.

That’s why we all should take some time to celebrate farmers by observing National Farm-City Week. This week begins on the Friday before Thanksgiving and encourages everyone to recognize the hard work and dedication of farmers. Without their efforts, most people’s Thanksgiving dinner spread probably wouldn’t be so nice.

The History of National Farm-City Week

This week was originally created in August 1957 by a Joint Resolution of Congress. This resolution called on the then U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, to proclaim National Farm-City Week. The original proclamation was made in October of that year, but since then, it has been observed beginning on the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Interesting Facts About Farmers

Let’s dig into the subject of farms and farmers a little bit more in anticipation of observing National Farm-City Week. We think that the following facts will illuminate the importance of farmers and their contributions to the country.

• By 2050, farmers will have to grow 70% more food just to feed the world’s population.
• The U.S. state with the most farms is Texas. They have almost a quarter of a million farms.
• Each farmer produces enough food and fiber for approximately 165 people a year.
• In the U.S., there are over 2 million farms.
• Commercial egg farms produce almost 70 billion eggs per year.

Observing National Farm-City Week

It’s a good week to thank farmers for what they do, either in person or on social media using the hashtag #NationalFarmCityWeek. It’s also a good week to visit a farm or ranch to talk to farmers and ranchers directly.