Governor Proclaims Agriculture Week, March 18 - 24

Press Release

Sebelius highlights Kansas' strong tradition of agriculture

In a proclamation signed today, Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared March 18 to 24, Kansas Agriculture Week and Tuesday, March 20, Kansas Agriculture Day.

"In Kansas, we have a strong agricultural tradition that predates our statehood, and it provides the foundation of our state's economic well-being," 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 it 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, seventh in corn production, ninth in hog production, tenth in soybean production and eighteenth in milk production.
* Cash receipts for farm marketing totaled $9.9 billion in 2005, or 4.2 percent of the U.S. total.
* Kansas ranks seventh in farm product exports, which were valued at $2.7 billion in 2005.

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

The number of Kansans working in jobs related to agriculture could grow.

"Kansas ethanol production from grains has doubled, the U.S. Department of Energy is investing in the state's first plant to produce ethanol from cellulosic sources and Kansas was selected as a site to grow biotech rice that can be processed into life-saving medicine," Sebelius said. "These ventures come with high-paying skilled jobs that benefit our rural communities."

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.

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