NAMA LEADER'S MESSAGE.

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) does more than host seminars on current trends in agriculture, offer networking to its members and provide leader training. As an organization, we also keep abreast on what's going on in the industry.

American agriculture celebrated its first National Agriculture Day in 1973. Since the beginning, Ag Day has been a chance for the general public to say "thanks" to the hard working men and women of agriculture. In 1999, Ag Day included "America's Largest Classroom on Agriculture" so that consumers young and old could celebrate and understand the modern agricultural industry and learn of the scope and diversity of our nation's largest industry and employer.

Currently, the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is working with the leaders of agriculture to further the impact of "Largest Classroom." In addition, "Largest Classroom" is gaining greater recognition and support among farmers and ranchers. They are using the resources to share the spirit and message of American agriculture. A dramatic example of this was the increased participation in 2000; participating farmers and ranchers have increased from 15 percent of program volunteers in 1999 to 28 percent in 2000.

In just two years, the "Largest Classroom" campaign has made wonderful strides. Participants have grown from 300,000 in 1999 to more than 1,000,000 in 2000. And the ACA has started to make a difference. Thanks to the distribution of the educational kit and the visits to the official Ag Day Web site, www.agday.org, students, educators, volunteers and general consumers are now able to share the spirit of American agriculture with friends and family. Posters, educational and media kits are available on the Web site, or by calling 1-888-98AGDAY.

The agriculture community engages tens of thousands of volunteers and organizations to assist in the education of students about the exciting role agriculture plays in our modern lives. Participants include students, educators, farmers/ranchers, consumers, agribusiness companies, grassroots organizations and ag literacy groups.

National Agriculture Day may be the first day of spring each year, March 20, 2001, but "Largest Classroom" is spotlighting American agriculture every day of the year by focusing on existing year-round ag literacy efforts. A number of NAMA chapters are now in the process of making plans to participate in one or both of these events.

As a member of NAMA, you should ask yourself, "What can I do to spread the good word about agriculture in my community?" or "What activity can my NAMA chapter plan to involve others in the area?" We can take our resources we have through the organization and spread the word on how agriculture is everywhere, touches everyone ... in almost every way, every day of the year. If you would like to get involved, contact Kathleen Montgomery at 1-888-98AGDAY or at [e-mail].