After breakfast this morning, I spent time doing a few of the things I love. Played with my toddler, did some writing and then headed into work. The morning was full of things needing my attention, though I didn’t need to worry about the hens that laid the eggs in my morning scramble. Or growing the peanuts that topped my toast, or whether or not a freeze would ruin the orange crop and limit my juice.

America’s farmers were on top of those things, freeing me up to do my thing.

In the course of history, it’s pretty recently that farmers have increased production to a point that frees up the other  97.5 percent of the population for their respective pursuits. Here are a few fun facts:

• The United States is one of the most advanced countries in the world because fewer farmers have continued to produce more and more food for the rest of society.
• In 1790, farmers accounted for 90% of the U.S. labor force.
• Today only 2.5% of the U.S. population produces enough food for everyone else in the country.
• Due to improved farming techniques, modern machinery, and technology, today’s farmer on average produces enough food for 155 people.

March 8th is National Ag Day. The official theme for the day is Agriculture: Affordable, Abundant, Amazing. In recognition of this theme, the talented folks at AdFarm have contributed to a video featuring the reflections of people who don’t work in agriculture but who, as a result of the contribution made by farmers, are free to do more with their lives.

You can watch our video here.

We at AdFarm, and myself personally, are privileged to work with and on behalf of, farmers around the world. Farming isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle. The commitment is huge and we are grateful for the work of farmers who feed our rapidly-growing world.

Thanks, farmers.

Sarah is a Minnesota farm kid turned communicator and AdFarm’s Director of Public Relations in the U.S. She tweets about ag, politics and parenting @skprkc