Spring comes early every year for the agriculture industry. Farmers across the state and Tioga County are dusting off equipment and making preparations in March for a busy upcoming planting season.
Each year, the importance and awareness of agriculture in Tioga County continues to grow. This year, two new Future Farmer of America (FFA) Chapters were added — at Tioga Central School District and Owego Apalachin Central School District.
Newark Valley FFA Advisor and Agriculture teacher Greg Schweiger was honored to have his FFA members and students involved in the proclamation stating, “Agriculture education is important because it encourages students to think critically about how and where our food is produced. It is key for them to see first-hand the support of agriculture in our community, and this proclamation from the County Legislature is a great illustration of that.”
Schweiger continued that, “In addition to the multitude of hands on learning activities that agriculture education provides, it also empowers and inspires students to learn in ways that are different than the traditional classrooms. Agriculture education also serves as a means to promote career exploration in the many fields that the agriculture sector has to offer.”
Newark Valley FFA Reporter Joree Gregrow added “Not everyone realizes how important agriculture is until someone informs them how much agriculture fills the community. I feel that March should be proclaimed Agriculture Month because everyone should be informed about the agriculture world and be aware of how agriculture is performed. People need to understand the importance or how much agriculture is involved in everyday life.”
Tioga County Legislature agreed at a workgroup meeting February 11 to present an official proclamation to Tioga County Farm Bureau President Cub Frisbie and Newark Valley FFA Chapter members MaraSkellett, Madison Peabody and Joree Gregrow.
New York is a leading agricultural state with a $5.75 billion revenue in 2017. According to the 2017 Ag Census, there were 33,438 farms in New York and 6,866,171 acres in production. New York Farm Bureau boasts that the agriculture sector is responsible for employing around 55,000 people throughout the state and nearly 200,000 people are involved in other sectors of agriculture employment.
During the month of March, you can recognize the importance of food, the agriculture industry and those who support the agriculture industry. You can do this by thanking a farmer for providing the food we eat, support them by visiting them at their storefronts or at a local farmers market.
– By Miranda Palmer
