21 March 2006

Governor proclaims March 19 to 25 Kansas Agriculture Week

In a proclamation signed recently, Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared March 19 to 25 Kansas Agriculture Week and Wednesday, March 22, Kansas Agriculture Day.

“Kansas has a strong agricultural tradition that predates our statehood and it’s a significant contributor to our state’s economy,” Sebelius said. “I hope all Kansans join me in celebrating the abundance of Kansas agriculture, the positive impact it has on our economy and the important role in plays in our daily lives.”

Sebelius noted that because of the commitment and hard work of farmers and ranchers statewide:

Kansas produces more wheat, grain sorghum and beef than any other state in the nation.

Kansas ranks third in sunflower production, ninth in hog and corn production, tenth in soybean production and eighteenth in milk production.

Cash receipts for farm marketings totaled $9.5 billion in 2004, or 3.9 percent of the U.S. total.

Kansas ranks sixth in farm product exports, which were valued at $2.9 billion in 2004.

“Nearly 20 percent of working Kansans are in jobs in some way related to agriculture or food production and processing,” Sebelius said.

The state’s growing ethanol industry could help increase that percentage.

“Ethanol plants provide jobs and economic development in predominantly rural areas,” Sebelius said. “As our nation tries to wean itself from a dependence on foreign oil, I expect to see continued growth in this area.”

National Agriculture Day is celebrated each year on or around the first day of spring. It is a time to celebrate American agriculture and honor the people who work to meet our everyday needs.