Celebrate Ag Week

Celebrating Ag Week
I’m KayDee Gilkey with today’s Northwest Farm and Ranch Report.

Next week is Ag Week and Ag Day, celebrated March 19, is a time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Agriculture Week.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba says National Ag Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of farmers and ranchers.

Coba:  “National Agriculture Week is a time we can all pause and reflect all things agriculture, which is very, very exciting. It’s just a great time of year. It’s spring, it’s planting season, and it’s time to give thanks and get ready for a new year.” 

Coba believes that agriculture has a positive message both the economy and the environment and she bases that on what she is hearing and seeing at Oregon’s State Capitol right now:

Coba:  “We’ve got quite a few new legislators. There’s just an all-around strong interest in agriculture and wanting to know how they can support agriculture, wanting to make sure Oregon agriculture can be successful, and can continue to contribute to our economy.”  ? 
Coba shares why Oregonians have good reason to celebrate agriculture because of its positive impact on the state.

Coba: “Based on a recent study by Oregon State University, we are up to about 15 percent in terms of our contribution to Oregon’s economy, 1 in 10 jobs, it’s growing and I only see the future continuing to be very bright for agriculture.”