The affection of and attention to animals by children is as old and enduring as time itself. One of the abiding facets of American life has been the lessons children learn from relationships with their animals; lessons that often last a lifetime.
A friend of mine, young Autum Bradley, entered her first pig show, and won second in her class. I dare say she will remember this experience well into her adult life.
As Kent County has been an agricultural area since colonial times, there are many opportunities for the non-farmers among us to be exposed to the science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock; as evidenced by the Kent County 4-H Fair this summer.
This exposure and experience, is essential to our nation.
American agriculture has gone through many and varied changes since the U.S. Department of Agriculture was established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. Perhaps, one day in the future, we will see more employees in the USDA than working in actual agriculture.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, agriculture has been a significant and integral sector of the U.S. economy regarding productivity growth. The U.S. agricultural program is the envy of the world, providing an impressive record of output by using inputs efficiently. The annual average agricultural productivity from 1948 to 1994 increased by 1.94 per cent. The current growth is reported at 1.88 per cent per year.
The United States remains the “breadbasket” of the world, amply feeding our own citizens, contributing greatly to our own economy, while helping to feed needy people in many parts of the world.
Children’s love of animals and things agricultural will help this nation retain our preeminent position as the agricultural leader in a new and changing world.
As our world changes at warp speed, the retention of some traditions helps provide balance and tranquility in our lives. However, as Jack Welch, the legendary former Chairman of General Electric reminds us, “change before you have to.”
One little girl’s placing second in class in a pig show will not change American agriculture. But it does remind us of a vital component in what makes this nation so great and versatile.
OINK!
DLaMotte says
Congratulations Autumn! What an adorable pig.
fletcher r. hall says
You just made one little girl, and her pig very happy!
Leslie Bradley says
Thank you for spot lighting our daughter and winning KuneKune boar. Our little farmer truly is happier wearing wellies and playing with the goats and pigs than sitting inside playing with Barbies and watching TV. We too hope she retains her love and respect for agriculture and the natural world.