The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

With National Agriculture Day approaching next week on March 18, 2025, the Center for Dairy Excellence asked both dairy producers and agricultural industry professionals a simple question: Why are you proud to work in agriculture? From feeding their communities and creating cutting-edge solutions to raising a family and committing to something bigger than themselves, their responses captured the work ethic, passion and unity that goes into agriculture. According to the USDA, National Agriculture Day was created fifty years ago to recognize America’s farmers and ranchers.

“At the Center for Dairy Excellence, we are proud to work with dairy farm families and professionals across the industry who work tirelessly and passionately 365 days of the year to serve their communities,” shared Emily Barge, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Center. “With so many reasons to celebrate, we felt like National Agriculture Day is the perfect time to ask those we work with to share what makes them most proud.”

Read the responses from 20 farmers and industry professionals who shared why they have a passion for what they do:

“Because when my final day arrives, I want my legacy to be known as a dairy producer.” –Amy T.

“Agriculture is the foundation of community. Agriculture provides the most basic needs of life: food. Agriculture is the most cutting edge, challenging, and wildly fulfilling career. Agriculture always has one more surprise, and today I just might find out what that is. Agriculture keeps me humble, keeps me on my toes, and gives me a second chance… next year.” –Dave H.

“I’m proud to be a dairy farmer, honoring the legacy of those before me while raising the next generation on the farm. Caring for our cows, stewarding the land, and working alongside my family makes this lifestyle deeply meaningful. Agriculture isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to something bigger, and I’m grateful to be part of it every day.” –Kacie H.

“I'm proud to be in agriculture for the simple things, the challenging things, and the rewarding things. The simple things: Like delivering that newborn calf, seeing that seed pop out of the ground, watching the cows chewing their cud. To see that eagle just soaring above and to have the tractor actually start. The challenging things: Why doesn't this cow get over her mastitis? How do we survive at this price of milk? What can we change to make us more competitive? The rewarding things: seeing that calf grow to be a great cow, and watching that seed become part of a record yield. Seeing the changes improve our herd and making our land more productive. Working with our kids and watching our grandkids grow. Looking back and realizing and seeing how God has showed his faithfulness leading us through the many hills, valleys and curves of this life.” –Kevin P.

“My family and I are proud to work in agriculture because it’s an opportunity for us to connect deeper with each other because we are out in the barns and the fields working together. It also gives us the opportunity to connect on a deeper level with the community. We have worked hard to create something that the community trusts for themselves and perhaps for their growing family. For that, I am proud. This is hard work, and some days are even harder than you could imagine. I am thankful for the strength that we can get up the next day and continue to nurture and grow our animals, crops and relationships.” –Amy B.

“I'm proud to work in agriculture because I get to work with so many people in an industry where integrity, work ethic, and values are high. My family, my service providers, and my employees are all committed to producing a high-quality product that is sustainably produced by caring for our land and animals that God has so graciously stewarded to us.” –Justin R.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because of the sense of ‘family’ that is brought together from farming with actual family, neighbors who become family in time of need, and ag lenders and agencies that help transition and guide the farm from one generation to the next. Coming from a dairy farm family and working in several ag agencies, without the agriculture ‘family’ we use, we would not be as successful as we are every day.” –Kimberly M.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because working daily to help feed America is a wonderful feeling!” –Julie H.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because of the ability to work together with my family and the flexibility it brings at times. Working in the dairy industry gives the opportunity to work with youngstock, and then seeing the reward of them maturing into the milking herd.” –Kerry Z.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because there is no better place to raise a family. Farm kids will never have trouble getting a job because they are typically taught to work and be responsible.” –Twila B.

“I’m proud to work in agriculture because I find caring for animals and the land to be incredibly rewarding. I consider myself extremely lucky to carry on my family’s farming legacy and to pass that on to my own children.” -Steve R.

“The people working in agriculture entities are the most dedicated, ambitious, focused, dependable, understanding, reliable, thoughtful, trustworthy and forgiving of all workers in the country! They are believers in God-given opportunities and make things happen. They are an important part of the community where their work can be seen by the public in the fields, buildings, and the animals that are being cared for by them. The work ethic and values that are used every day of the week are above the call of duty!” –Joseph I.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because I am able to help the most amazing, hardworking and dedicated people. They work long hours and tirelessly to produce the food and products on their farms.” –Kathy J.

“I’m proud to work in agriculture because there is always so much to learn and so many rewarding outcomes with such a vast community of people who all work together continuously to strive to be better for our animals, the land, and consumers!” –Paige M.

“I am proud to work in agriculture because I have the opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders in an industry that sustains the world, fosters innovation, and connects people to the land and their food.” –Nicole H.

“There is no better way to raise a family than working together on the farm.” –Janette

“I am proud to work in agriculture because of the driven and dedicated workers who represent the industry. Growing up, I was surrounded by mentors who inspired me and supported me every step of the way. My days in 4-H, Holstein Association, and other agricultural organizations developed my passion for the dairy industry. Today, I'm studying Animal Science with a concentration in Dairy Management at Cornell University and looking to have a career with dairy sustainability. None of that would be possible without the agricultural workers I met along the way who shared their stories and gave me a hand. I couldn't be more grateful for this community.” –Sophie G.

“I am proud to work in agriculture and be part of an industry that allows you to be part of innovations that protect the environment, conserve resources, and ensure a stable food supply. I am proud to be part of an industry that has taught me integrity, adaptability, hard work, and perseverance.” –Rylee F.

“I’m proud to work in agriculture because it means being part of something bigger than myself—helping to feed families, strengthen communities, and support hardworking farmers who are the backbone of our country. Agriculture isn’t just a job; it’s ensuring that future generations have access to safe, nutritious food. Every day, I see firsthand the dedication of farmers and industry leaders working together to make a difference, and I’m honored to play a role in that mission.” –Virginia

To hear from other Pennsylvania dairy producers throughout the year and receive resources and updates about the dairy industry, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/newsletter to sign up for email updates.

The Center for Dairy Excellence is a non-profit organization initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2004. Bringing together people from more than 40 different dairy organizations in Pennsylvania, the Center’s mission is to enhance the profitability of the dairy industry by empowering people, creating partnerships, and increasing the availability and use of resources. Learn more at centerfordairyexcellence.org.