Here’s a staggering statistic: Humans will need to produce more food in the next 40 years than the last 10,000 combined. And here’s something that puts the challenge squarely into context: Less than 1% of the U.S. labor force today is dedicated to farming. 

As a farmer- and ag retail-owned cooperative, Land O’Lakes celebrates National Farmer’s Day every day. But today, on the nationally-recognized National Farmer’s Day, Land O’Lakes is celebrating farmers -- and the critical role they play in society -- by shining a spotlight on how “Farmers Are Incredible.” 
We have a farmer-to-fork view of the amazing people, communities and leaders in agriculture who are heading the charge to put food on everyone’s tables. 

People like Jason Brown, a retired St. Louis Rams player, turned to farming, dedicated to helping feed the hungry. The proud owner of First Fruit Farms, Brown has donated over a million pounds of crops to his community. 

"I’ve always had a passion for giving back to my community and becoming a farmer has allowed me to make the greatest impact,” said Brown. “Farming is no walk in the park. Although very demanding, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in life and one where you’re truly able to taste the fruits of your labor.” 

Jason is a part of Land O’Lakes’ recently announced “All-Ag” team of current and former Big Ten football players who hail from farming families and communities. The full roster includes Chad Greenway, Jordy Nelson, Josey Jewell, Cameron Jurgens, Vince Biegel, Cade Stover, Garrett Nelson, Drew Ott, Jason Brown and Tyler Biadasz. 

Through the Big 10 Network, Land O'Lakes will introduce the complete “All-Ag” team and host a halftime celebration of farmers and those leading the future of the agriculture industry during the Nebraska vs. Purdue football game on Oct. 15. 

We’re also showcasing more stories of farmers and their impact on our new site, Rooted in Tomorrow, and debuting our first annual “State of the American Farmer” report that digs into the state of farming and reveals some major misconceptions from the general public about where their food comes from, including: 

• On average, Americans believe that less than half (46%) of U.S. farms are family-owned and operated (compared with the actual 98%), and that just 43% of what they buy comes from these family farms (compared with the actual 88%).  
• Despite some prevailing misconceptions, most Americans express interest in the source of their food: 87% are at least somewhat interested in knowing where their groceries were grown or produced, with millennials are the most likely to be extremely or very interested in knowing where their food comes from.  
• Nearly all (94%) say it’s at least somewhat important that their groceries be grown or sourced in a sustainable way – yet when it comes to sustainable farming, over a quarter (26%) are unaware of the potential for sustainability in farming to increase farmers' profits. 

We’re proud to partner with and recognize farmers and all they do to help feed all of us -- putting food on our plates, fostering community and culture and driving innovation for a sustainable future. To learn more, head to www.rootedintomorrow.com.