For the fourth year, President Donald Trump has recognized March 24 as National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

I encourage all Americans to observe this day by recognizing the preeminent role that agriculture plays in our daily lives, acknowledging agriculture’s continuing importance to rural America and our country’s economy, and expressing our deep appreciation of farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, national forest system stewards, private agricultural stewards, and those who work in the agriculture sector across the Nation.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and even though coronavirus forced the cancellation of events in the nation’s capitol this week, virtual activities are being held and information about agriculture being shared. ACA offers social media tools and resources online for you to share as well.

“Food Brings Everyone to the Table” is this year’s National Ag Day theme. Winner of the national written essay cont3est, Eli Mittermeyer from Loraine, Illinois, received a $1,000 prize and would have traveled to Washington, D.C., for recognition today and the opportunity to read his winning essay. But you can read it here and see this year’s video essay winner, Samantha Gerges of Mansfield, Texas, who also won a $1,000 prize. The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Farm Progress.