The agricultural industry is so diverse that sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s considered agriculture and what’s not. Well, truth be told, almost everything can relate to this industry labeled as “agriculture”. At the end of the day, we all are consuming food, drinking water, and wearing clothes. If we aren’t directly producing an agricultural product for the masses, doesn’t mean we aren’t contributing.
Below, I have listed 4 unique activities that contribute to the agricultural industry, whether we know it or not.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s Markets seems to be pretty obvious. This is a place where local producers sell products they create. These products can range anywhere from homegrown fruits and veggies to hand-crafted pieces of art. Farmer’s Markets are excellent for promoting local businesses or simply sharing your favorite hobby. While vendors are contributing via using and creating agricultural products, consumers are also making a contribution just by being there. Whether it’s learning about soil health to grow produce or purchasing local, it’s all a contribution to the big picture.
Gardening
Gardening is another, pretty obvious activity. Growing anything is a challenge as most of us know. Having to learn soil health to grow plants is a bigger contribution than many of us think. Soil health is a major factor in which all things are based. Any type of contribution to increased soil health, like gardening, falls under the category of “agricultural contribution”. Flower gardening creates a habitat for various bugs and insects. Despite being terrifying at times, these creatures are extremely good for the soil and environment. Vegetable gardening is growing an agricultural product within itself. All living aspects of life revolve around soil health. Gardening is just a simple way for anyone to learn on a small scale.
Supporting National & State Parks
Many don’t realize that forestry is one of the major industries within the ag community. Timber production is vital to the economy. While commercial timber is different from recreational timber, it’s all focused on the same thing. Protection and preservation of wildlife habitats and timber quality. Parks on both the state and national levels are used as examples of proper timber management. Funds secured through local supporters like yourself are not only used for park upkeep but also for proper management of what’s already there. These parks tend to set examples of how to use proper conservation techniques to get the best results. From now on, you won’t only enjoy your family camping trip, you can also smile to yourself knowing that you are making a difference in the ag community.
Daily entertainment
Do you enjoy curling up with a good book on a rainy day? How about playing board games with your family on a Saturday night? If the answer is yes, then you are contributing to the ag industry just by having some fun! Major ag products like timber are the number one source in creating our favorite books and games. Agricultural products are even used to make kid’s favorite Play-duh and crayons. So, next time you are having fun with your family, you there is a high possibility that you are making a contribution to the ag industry.