On Oct. 12, we celebrate National Farmer’s Day, a special day dedicated to recognizing the tireless efforts of the hardworking individuals who form the foundation of the agricultural industry.

According to the USDA’s Census of Agriculture, while most farmers are of an average age of 58 and older, there is a promising trend of increasing diversity within the farming community. Young men, women, and minority farmers are entering the field, contributing new and innovative perspectives to farming practices.

It’s important to note that the majority of farms in the United States, approximately 97.1%, are owned and operated by families. These families play a crucial role in ensuring our nation has a secure food supply. On National Farmer’s Day, we should recognize that despite only 2% of the population being farmers, their economic contributions go far beyond just producing food.

In fact, in 2019, the agricultural and food sectors provided 22.2 million full- and part-time jobs, which accounted for 10.9% of total U.S. employment. This impact extends beyond food production and includes industries such as transportation, textiles, grocery, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, forestry, and fisheries.

On Oct. 12, use the hashtag #ThankAFarmer to express gratitude for their efforts to keep the nation well-fed and economically thriving.