Everyone is involved in agriculture. In fact, you couldn’t get through every aspect of your day without agriculture.
The artist from Ohio, the political science major from New Jersey, the future teacher from Tennessee and you are all consumers. As consumers, you are a vital part of the agricultural community.
Andy and Ellie Holt of Dresden know the importance of consumers. The Holts have four children: Josie, Andrew, Libby and Martha Ann. They offer locally grown and produced farm products to the community. In the fall, the Holts run a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkins, enjoy a hay ride and buy fall decorations grown locally on the Holt Family Farms.
“We want to provide a safe and fun farm experience for all ages, as well as educate and promote the agricultural diversity that West Tennessee has to offer,” Andy said.
Ellie has recently started a new venture. She now makes body butters, salt scrubs, goat milk soap and skin care products, just to name a few.
“All of our products are made locally with herbs and products we grow here on our farm. If we have to use an ingredient we don’t produce, we buy local and Tennessee-made items. Each of our bath and body care items is made with high grade essential oils, which not only smell great, but are great for a multitude of ailments also,” Ellie said. “We are dedicated to serving our visitors’ needs, and our goal is 100 percent satisfaction. We strive to bring you the best quality products and experience.”
Consumers most often think of their food coming from farms, and that is very true. Farmers do grow the food seen in the grocery store or in restaurants. However, it’s easy to forget that so much more than food comes from farms and ends up in homes. Most parts of anyone’s day begins with the farm.
The struggle to get out of bed in the morning is thanks to the timber harvesters who supply the wood and the cotton farmers who supply the cotton used in the comfortable sheets. In fact, according to America’s Heartland’s website, Tennessee is ranked number two in the nation for hardwood production. Maybe the pillows are filled with goose down feathers. If so, those geese were more than likely raised on a farm for harvest.
The struggle to leave the bed is finally conquered. It’s time for a shower. The soap and shampoo in the shower contain wheat and corn. Wheat is grown in the central region of the United States, most commonly referred to as the Midwest. These same farmers also grow much of the corn that the United States produces. Corn can also be found in toothpaste, gum and perfume. The towel used to dry off with is also made from cotton.
Next ladies will probably put on makeup. Makeup is composed of corn and minerals derived from the soil. Lipstick contains pig fat and fish scales. Iowa is the leading producer of pigs, while Mississippi has the most fish farms.
Then, it’s time to get dressed. More than likely the majority of the clothing hanging in the closet will be made from cotton. But did you know that fabric softener contains animal fat? It could contain fat from cattle, horses or sheep. Without having eaten breakfast or leaving the house, already the day is surrounded by agriculture.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and each aspect of it started on a farm. Breakfast might include eggs, milk and bacon, or maybe fruit and granola. Farmers are responsible for all these foods and more.
According to Monsanto Inc.’s “America’s Farmers” campaign, America’s farmers grow America. Farmers do so much more than grow crops and raise livestock. They also grow the economy. U.S. agriculture is responsible for 23 million jobs in this country, making it the nation’s largest employer. That’s 1 in 5 jobs that relate to agriculture. It also contributes $34 billion in trade surplus; that’s enough money to buy every family in America a loaf of bread every week for the next four years.
What’s more, America’s farmers are true professionals. They are certified and trained in animal production and chemical use. UTM is doing its part in educating these future professionals.
“Our faculty and students are involved in cutting-edge research and outreach activities that provide to the agricultural, environmental and consumer needs of society. These activities are supported by a 640-acre educational and research farm, modern classrooms and laboratories and state-of-the-art technologies,” said Dr. Todd Winters, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
As you can see, agriculture comes in many shapes and sizes. You don’t have to be from a farm or even be an agricultural major at UTM to be involved in agriculture. On a daily basis you make decisions that directly or indirectly relate to the farm. Farmers grow the food on your plate, the clothes on your backs and the economy of your country. Thank a farmer and thank the ag student you may sit next to in class. The next time you pick up a product, see if you can trace it back to the farm.
Featured photo: Holt Family by Amy Bourne Photography
