GREENE – Farmers and ranchers from across the county gathered at the Silo Restaurant in Greene Tuesday to pay special tribute to their industry during the 39th annual celebration of Agriculture Day.

Customarily, the ceremony takes place on the first day of spring, ringing in another growing season for agriculturalists and the spotlighting the vital role they play in sustaining American life. This year’s theme: “Ag-vocating for Agriculture.”

“It’s important to show our gratitude for area farmers,” said Bradd Vickers, president of the Chenango County Farm Bureau, who spoke during the reception. He emphasized the weight farmers carry in strengthening the community while providing food, sources of renewable energy and job opportunities.

Farming is more than just growing livestock and crops, he added. “Manufacturing a local food supply is a matter of national security.”

At the gathering, Vickers accepted a proclamation from the New York State Assembly recognizing Ag Day and the ag industry as a vital component in the community.

“A state is only as great as its citizens and strong as its communities,” read the proclamation, which was presented by Rod Decker on behalf of Assemblyman Clifford Crouch. It went on to say that “farmers and ranchers are not only an integral part of the state and local economy, but they characterize what has made New York and America great.”