GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Farmers and ranchers make up 1.3% of the U.S. workforce and their families comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population, leaving the rest of the population dependent on their crops and herds.

While this percentage is small, farmers and ranchers are continually adapting with technology to discover new ways to efficiently feed a population that is predicted to reach 2.2 billion by 2050.

National Farmer’s Day is Oct. 12, which is the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to those who plow, sow, raise, feed and harvest crops and livestock that are needed for the country to survive.  This particular day was chosen because of the traditional harvest times of numerous crops.

In addition to feeding the growing population, farmers face challenges every day such as extreme weather, crop loss, trade wars and media scrutiny. They are not granted enough credit for the endless work set before them each and every day and the countless hours spent tending to crops and animals.

If given the opportunity, consider thanking a farmer for choosing the lifestyle and career they chose. It’s a challenging field but all too necessary for life.

For more information and facts about U.S. farmers, visit https://www.fb.org/newsroom/fast-facts, https://agamerica.com/history-of-national-farmers-day/and https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/farming-industry- facts-us-2019-5-1028242678.

–Florida Farm Bureau