Agriculture Committee Continues Traditions to Promote Ag

Check out this great picture of the 18th Rural Appreciation Picnic in 1989. The caption reads “About 1000 friends were served at the annual Rural Appreciation Picnic on August 1st in coordination with the McPherson County 4-H Fair. More than 75 volunteers helped cook hamburgers and serve food to our rural friends. Thank you to the 60+ sponsors who contributed to make this event possible. Your involvement is the key to keeping this event successful.”

We have come across other mentions of the Rural Appreciation Picnic which began in 1972 and was sometimes referred to as the Rural Appreciation B-B-Que. This long-standing tradition is just one of several that are organized by the Agriculture Committee of the McPherson Chamber. The committee is also responsible for the annual Farm Forum that began in 1986 and continues today. The Farm Forum is an opportunity to share information on current agriculture topics that affect us all. It is also a time to recognize dedicated ambassadors that help promote agriculture, making a difference in our community and world. It brings the agriculture and business sectors together for education, networking, and for the possibilities of future collaboration.

The Ag Committee used to spend a considerable amount of time putting on the When Pigs Fly, a KCBS sanctioned BBQ contest at the McPherson Airport from 2002 to 2014. They also organized the Mac County RoundUp 5K from 2014-2019, and participated in the American Legion Family Night for many years. These events were held to raise funds for the McPherson County Agriculture Future of America Scholarship that the Ag Committee awards each year. The McPherson Chamber Agriculture Committee is also a partner in the Ag in the Classroom program for 3rd and 4th graders in McPherson County. A dedicated committee, investing in the youth of our community to cultivate our future ag leaders.