Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims March as Kansas Agriculture Month
~Celebrates industry’s significant economic contributions~
LAWRENCE – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam toured family-owned Juniper Hill Farms and proclaimed the month of March as Kansas Agriculture Month.
“Kansas has long been recognized as an essential agricultural state — our farmers and ranchers work hard to put food on the table for families around the globe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m proud to celebrate Agriculture Month here at Juniper Hill Farms — a first-generation operation that will ensure that our agriculture sector grows for years to come.”
The state ranks as the national leader in agriculture production.
- 1st in wheat and sorghum
- 2nd in cropland acreage
- 3rd in cattle and calves
The industry contributes more than $65 billion to the economy and nearly 240,000 Kansas jobs, 12% of our state’s workforce. Because of its unrivaled persistence, Kansas has achieved a record for agricultural exports. In 2021, Kansas exported $5.35 billion in agricultural goods.
“Kansas agriculture is at the foundation of who we are as Kansans, and during Ag Month we are proud to celebrate all of those farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in the Kansas Ag community,” said Secretary Beam. “Farming is faced with many challenges, including unstable weather, uncertainty of the markets, and increasing expenses, and yet the people in agriculture stand strong and continue to work hard day in and day out to feed the nation and the world.”
The tour included a walkthrough of propagation greenhouses, production greenhouses, grain bins, a packhouse, and a new agritourism and event space. Governor Kelly’s full proclamation can be found here.
The below photos are available for media use:
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