If you place importance on Earth Day, April 22 (and you should), then salute a Rowan County farmer when you celebrate.

Why? 

The men and women who put food on your supper table have made incredible advances since that first Earth Day in 1970.  Each year, these producers developed better methods to protect our land, water and air.  While Americans have joined forces to encourage better stewardship of our natural resources, North Carolina farmers were actually doing something about it.  You see, while some talk it, Rowan County farmers, walk it!  North Carolina’s farmers and producers were already working the soil and living the message of natural resource management before it was fashionable.

And you and I are the beneficiaries!

Our State’s farmers depend on the earth’s productivity to support not only their families, but provide the food, fiber and fuels exported to the entire world.  So it stands to reason that our farmers are the first – and the best – stewards of our precious natural resources.  In order to ensure an abundant food supply, sustainable fuel and fiber, they know they must first conserve and protect our environment. 

More than anyone, North Carolina farmers appreciate the fragility of natural resources and know the high importance of safeguarding the environment for the next generation.  It’s why Rowan County farmers continually learn better ways to grow crops, improve livestock raising methods, and refresh the land. 

Re-purpose?  They do it.  Conserve?  They’re the best at it.  Recycle?  They invented the word!  
Want to meet a true conservationist?  Then salute a Rowan farmer on Earth Day 2011.

Aaron Martin is the State Executive Director of the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency North Carolina.