First annual Ag Day Celebration Luncheon held
COSHOCTON – The roll agriculture plays in our lives was recognized and celebrated March 18 during Coshocton’s First annual Ag Day Celebration Luncheon.
“Food doesn’t just appear in the grocery store or on our dinner table, it’s because of the agriculture industry that we have a plentiful and safe supply of food,” said Kelly Miller from Farm Credit Services of America.
Miller organized the event with the help of Shrimplin’s Catering, the Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District, Coshocton County OSU Extension and the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce. City of Coshocton Mayor Steve Mercer and the Coshocton County Commissioners also collaborated on a proclamation for the event.
“The agriculture industry contributes $81 million to our local economy and is the number one industry in our county,” Mercer said. “We have the complete package here with agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.”
After the mayor spoke, Jenna Wyler from Ridgewood High School’s FFA club recited the FFA creed. Three members of the audience then had the opportunity to share what this year’s National Ag Day theme, “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations” meant to them.
Mary Thomas, who was on the planning committee, had to step in for Greg Waters, who was ill.
“When we were asking people to speak we told them it would be easy, but it’s not so easy when you’re on the other end,” she joked with the audience. “This year’s theme though has new meaning to me. A year ago my husband and I became first time parents. Before our daughter was born farming was just a way of life, now it makes me think of teachable moments for her. Over the years I hope it helps us teach her respect for people, animals and nature, to be caring and patient, sacrifice and to have faith.”
Listening to Wyler deliver the FFA creed also inspired Thomas.
“I believe in the future of agriculture,” Thomas said. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t choose to make it part of my life. I hope it continues to make a positive impact on this generation and future ones to come.”
Bob Buxton also enjoyed being reminded of the FFA creed. He grew up being involved in 4-H and FFA and later became an advisor and teacher.
“If the next generation continues what we started there will be a bright future for agriculture,” he said.
Alice Moore also believes this.
“Agriculture is the most important industry in the county and state and we need to strive to keep it that way,” she said. “The future looks bright though. We have the safest, most abundant, reliable food source in the world.”
Miller ended the luncheon with a quote from George Washington.
“He once said agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man,” Miller said. “Thank you for joining us to promote agriculture and the first annual ag day in Coshocton. Happy spring and keep the sunshine going.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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