Happy Ag Week to you. Isn’t American agriculture amazing? You bet it is and it’s time to thank our farmers and ranchers for the abundant supply of safe economical food, fiber and fuel they produce for us. And without a lot of thanks in urban areas and increasing pressure from governmental regulations.

Thank you farmers for all you do!

In this week’s program you can hear my conversation with Linda Tank, CHS, Inc., who is Chair of the Agriculture Council of America, the coordinating group for National Ag Day which we’ll celebrate officially on March 20.

In our interview Linda talks about this year’s celebration and we note the new communication channels now available to help get the message out about the importance of agriculture. She points out that there will be a big three part celebration in Washington, DC on Thursday. Wish I could be there. Here are the planned activities:

Coffee with the Secretary

The coffee will take place at 8:00 a.m.on March 18 on the Whitten Patio of the USDA.

Over 3,500 industry leaders have been invited. This includes sponsors, commodity group leaders, Ag Day supporters, members of congress, etc. Also in attendance will be students from AFA, FFA & 4-H who will be making Hill visits after the coffee concludes.

Seating is limited to 150 people. The Secretary is confirmed and will speake briefly and the coffee will conclude by approximately 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

There is no charge for the coffee but attendees do need to register so we have a list for the security staff at the USDA.

Mix & Mingle Luncheon

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.

Complimentary admittance to Luncheon

This is a standing luncheon and featured speakers include an Outstanding Young Farmer Honoree and national officers from AFA, FFA & 4-H.

National Ag Day Dinner & Cocktails

5:30 p.m.
USDA Whitten Building Patio, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $100 per person, or $1,000 for a reserved table of 10
Hosted by the Agriculture Council of America in recognition of Ag Week.

The pork for the dinner will be donated by the National Pork Producers Council and will be prepared by Chef Mark Salter from the Inn at Perry Cabin. Seating is limited (we have about 20 seats left).

INVITED GUEST SPEAKERS:
Senator Blanche Lincoln, Chair, Senate Ag Committee
Congressman Collin Peterson, Chair, House Ag Committee

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, Novus International, and Leica Geosytems for their support.

You can listen to this week’s ZimmCast below.

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