From the Briefing Room of the White House on the first day of spring, March 20, President Joe Biden proclaimed March 21, 2023 as National Agriculture Day. The day kicked off National Agriculture Week (NAW), March 21-27.

NAW is celebrated every year in March on dates announced by the Agriculture Council of America. This year's theme was Growing a Climate for Tomorrow. March 21 was also the 50th Anniversary of National Ag Day.

In his proclamation speech, President Biden stated: "American farms remind us of the beauty and generosity of our Nation. They feed the country and the world, and with each new planting season, they embody that most American of things - possibilities. On National Agriculture Day, we celebrate all the farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, and other agricultural workers who do so much to make our Nation strong, fuel our economy, and steward our lands. America owes them."

Biden also recognized the challenges faced by American farmers, ranchers, and meat processors by saying: "Extreme weather, made worse by the climate crisis, is destroying crops and decimating herds. Markets for seeds, feed, and fertilizer are dominated by a few large companies, raising the cost of doing business. Corporate consolidation has reduced what small producers can get in exchange for their crops and livestock, lowering farmer incomes and workers' paychecks. Too many feel forced to give up farms that their families spent generations growing. A lack of competition has distorted the market."

To address these challenges, Biden and his administration plan to promote fair competition in agriculture, not only by encouraging anti-trust agencies to focus on anti-competitive practices in agricultural markets but by securing the "right to repair." This policy would allow farmers to repair their own machinery rather than being required to return it the manufacturer.

According to the Agriculture Council of America, NAW "celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy. The holiday gives thanks to the industry as a whole for being a source of abundant food, fiber, and renewable products." The Council further commends the agriculture industry for providing millions of stable jobs and careers.

Statistics reported by the US Census Bureau claim that in today's world, one farmer feeds 166 people, compared to the 1960s when one farmer fed 25 people. Approximately 22 million people work in the agriculture field in over 200 careers. Examples of those careers include agribusiness, natural resources, construction, agriscience, horticulture, farming, food science, fisheries and wildlife, and beekeeping.

Locally, statistics published by Montana State University reveal the Economic Impact of Agriculture for Blaine County. A report published in 2017 revealed that the top crops were hay and haylage, barley, spring wheat, and chickpeas.

The county producer population was about the same age as the Montana producer population at that time. "Thirty-five percent of county producers were under 55 years of age, while 37% were over 65 years of age. Thirty-four percent of the Montana producer population were under 55, while 36% were over 65 years of age. Sixty-three percent of producers in the county were males, while 60% of Montana producers were males. Farming was the primary occupation for 62% of county producers, while farming was the primary occupation for 50% of Montana producers."

One producer in Blaine County, Nathan Molyneaux and his wife Tandie welcomed a Black Angus Cross calf born on March 20 to their growing herd. Tandie reported: "That was Everly's first meeting with a calf. She loved it." Everly is the couple's eleven-month-old daughter.