GREENE – Chenango County Farm Bureau members and state representatives met with members of the agriculture community on Tuesday to celebrate agriculture and discuss its national importance.

The Agriculture Recognition Day event was held by the Chenango County Farm Bureau at The Silo Restaurant in Greene, featuring speeches from Chenango County Farm Bureau President Bradd Vickers and New York State FFA Vice-President Megan Lamb, along with proclamation awards presented by representatives Alexandra Cade and Joseph Angelino from the respective offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.

“I think it’s important particularly on a day like today to show our gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible,” said Vickers. “American farmers and ranchers are not only an integral part of the economy, but they represent and characterize what has made America great: hard work.”

According to Vickers, the average United States farmer in 1960 fed around 26 people annually, but now farmers are expected to feed around 165 people––more than six times the previous amount. And with milk prices dropping, many farmers have decided to instead close down their businesses.