http:\/\/www.cdfa.ca.gov\/egov\/Press_Releases\/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-007<\/p>\n
WHAT: Ag Day 2012 is the California agricultural community\u2019s annual opportunity to give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what\u2019s new down on the farm. California\u2019s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, flowers and more for all of the Golden State\u2019s citizens and many more around the world. Award-winning farmers will be honored, as will several young \u201cprospective farmers\u201d who have penned agriculture-themed stories for a writing contest. Attendees will collect free samples, meet California Rodeo queens, view presentations on the latest in farming sustainability and agricultural education, and get an up-close look at a variety of farm animals. The next generation of farmers gets in on the act, too, with Kings County Junior Fair Board members volunteering to greet attendees and assist with the event.<\/p>\n
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) partners with California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in The Classroom to host this annual celebration. This year\u2019s theme, Know Your California Farmer, highlights the contributions of farmers, ranchers from many of California\u2019s diverse counties and growing regions.<\/p>\n
During a stage presentation at noon, the agricultural community will honor the 2011 Leopold Conservation Award winner Tim Koopmann, a Bay Area rancher. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award, which consists of $10,000 and a Leopold crystal, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In his influential book, A Sand County Almanac (1949), Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he deemed to be \u201can evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.\u201d Applications for the 2012 award are being accepted until July 15, 2012. For more information, please visit: www.leopoldconservationaward.org<\/p>\n
WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, rain or shine
\nOpen to Legislators and staff 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
\nOpen to the public 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
PRESS CONFERENCE: \u201cEat Local, Buy California Grown\u201d
\nBegins at 11:30 a.m., featuring:
\nCDFA Secretary Karen Ross
\nAssembly Speaker Pro Tempore Fiona Ma (San Francisco and San Mateo Counties)
\nSenate Agriculture Committee Chairman Anthony Cannella (Ceres)
\nAssembly Member Cathleen Galgiani (Stockton)<\/p>\n
AG DAY STAGE PRESENTATION
\nBegins at noon, featuring emcee Michael Marks \u201cYour Produce Man\u201dand:
\nCDFA Secretary Karen Ross
\nCalifornia Women for Agriculture President Karri Hammerstrom
\nCalifornia Foundation for Agriculture In The Classroom Executive Director Judy Culbertson
\n2011 Leopold Conservation Award Winner Tim Koopman, Bay Area rancher
\nMiss Rodeo California Mackenzie Cayford and Miss California Rodeo Salinas Kendra Brennan
\nStudent winners of the 2012 \u201cImagine This\u201d Story Writing Contest, conducted by the California
\nFoundation for Agriculture In the Classroom<\/p>\n
WHERE: California State Capitol grounds, west steps<\/p>\n
WHY: Ag Day is an annual event designed to recognize California\u2019s agricultural community by showcasing the numerous commodities that are produced in our state\u2014and the farmers and ranchers who bring them to our tables. It is also a day for the agricultural community to show its appreciation of Californians by bringing together state legislators, government leaders and the public for a half day of agricultural education and treats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
http:\/\/www.cdfa.ca.gov\/egov\/Press_Releases\/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=12-007 WHAT: Ag Day 2012 is the California agricultural community\u2019s annual opportunity to give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what\u2019s new down on the farm. California\u2019s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, flowers and more … Continue reading