DES MOINES –Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today saluted farmers across the state and encouraged all Iowans to participate in National Agriculture Week events in their area.  National Agriculture Week is March 16th through 22nd and Ag Day at the Iowa Capitol is Wednesday, March 19th.

“This is a great time to recognize the hard work of Iowa farmers and all involved in agriculture,” Northey said.  “It is an exciting time for Iowa agriculture.  Agriculture week is an occasion for all Iowans to identify the contributions agriculture has made to the Iowa economy and the good quality of life Iowans enjoy because of it.”

National Agriculture Week is designed to increase awareness of the impact U.S agriculture has on the national and global economies.  Iowa’s rich soil and vast landscape has made Iowa one of the most productive areas for food and livestock production in the world for centuries.      

In addition, farmers remain committed to preserve Iowa’s natural resources—water, air and soil—by using environmentally friendly practices like no-till farming, contour farming, strip cropping, terraces, and other conservation practices have reduced soil erosion.

“Iowa is experiencing record high grain prices, ethanol, new technology and a brand new interest in the industry with young people across the state,” Northey said.  “People want to be involved in agriculture again and it’s time to celebrate that.”

Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.

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