The American Soybean Association (ASA) is proud to join its colleagues and counterparts in the agriculture industry as it celebrates National Agriculture Day on Thursday, March 8. To bring a well-deserved spotlight on America’s farmers, ASA farmers and staff will participate in Ag Day roundtables, forums and other special events in Washington, D.C., St. Louis and other locations this week.

"Ag Day is a wonderful opportunity to pause and think about the noble work farmers do each day to ensure American families have the food, feed, fiber and fuel they need," said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb.

Wellman is a perfect example of the versatility in American agriculture celebrated by Ag Day. In addition to soybeans, Wellman raises corn, winter wheat and alfalfa, and manages a cow-calf herd.

"Every day, the men and women of the soybean industry find innovative ways to produce a reliable supply of high-quality soybeans using fewer natural resources to satisfy an ever-growing demand," added Wellman. "We salute and thank them, on Ag Day and every day, for their continued dedication to American agriculture."

As ASA works to protect and increase the market value and opportunities for soybean farmers with a primary focus on policy development and implementation, it is part of a U.S. agriculture industry that creates on- and off-farm jobs in rural and urban communities in America. In 2011, record production of biodiesel, made primarily from soybean oil, supported more than 50,000 American jobs, and a record year for agricultural exports supported more than 1.1 million American jobs.

"A few generations ago, most Americans were directly involved in – or had relatives or friends involved in – agriculture-related endeavors. Today, that is no longer the case," Wellman said. "That’s why it’s so important we join together at the community and grower association level - our voices together carry our message further than any one of us can do alone."