By Robin Young
PREVIEW Columnist
Food brings everyone to the table. This is the theme for National Ag Day, which is recognized on March 23 this year.
The pandemic has shown us all that farmers and ranchers have kept us fed even in the most trying of times. They are essential to our existence. We’re so fortunate to have dedicated growers and producers who feed our nation.
The National Ag Day program believes that every American should: understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products; and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.
Why celebrate Ag Day in Colorado? Colorado agriculture provides abundant, nutritional products for consumers within the state and around the globe. Agriculture is one of largest contributors to the state’s economy, supporting more than 173,000 jobs in Colorado, generating more than $40 billion of economic activity annually, and exporting over $2 billion of food and agricultural products.
Land in farms and ranches provides habitat for wildlife and open space, and innovative and sustainable farming practices ensure that our state’s resources will remain protected for generations to come. Farmers and ranchers are critical to Colorado agritourism, welcoming tourists from around the world and giving them a taste of the Colorado experience. Farmers and ranchers are innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders who remain resilient in their dedication to Colorado agriculture.
To recognize National Ag Day, the following proclamation was signed by the Archuleta County Commissioners.
Proclamation
“National Agriculture Week
“March 22-26, 2021
“WHEREAS National Agriculture Week is March 22 - 26, 2021 to recognize the importance of farmers and ranchers who produce food, fiber and fuel for the United States and world; and
“WHEREAS Archuleta County has a long and rich history of agricultural production; and
“WHEREAS Archuleta County farmers and ranchers are a vital component of our local economy and communities, providing jobs throughout the farm and food industry, including employment for farmers, farmworkers, scientists, processors, shippers and retailers; and
“WHEREAS The stewardship of Archuleta County farmers and ranchers protects our natural resources and wildlife and ensures a sustainable resource base for future generations; and
“WHEREAS Archuleta County farmers and ranchers produce agricultural products embrace the local food markets and beyond, providing safe and wholesome quality products to their neighbors; and
“WHEREAS Archuleta County recognizes the importance that agriculture plays in assuring the future progress and prosperity of the county’s economy and health;
“NOW, THEREFORE, WE the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Archuleta, Colorado, by the authority vested in us, do hereby officially proclaim March 22-26, 2021 as ‘NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK’ in the County of Archuleta, Colorado; and call upon the citizens of Archuleta County to recognize the importance of our agricultural industry, from field to plate, and to celebrate this week with appropriate events, activities, and nutritious meals made with Archuleta County’s ‘homegrown’ ingredients.
“In witness whereof, we hereunto set our hands and cause the seal of the County of Archuleta do, to be affixed this 16th day of March 2021.”
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered monthly by the Colorado State University Extension office, generally on the second Monday and Wednesday of each month from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at 246-5931 to register.
