Commissioner of Agriculture and Food supports USDA's new MyPyramid healthy food guide system and promotes wise consumption by consumers

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It's likely the squeals of excitement from 1500 elementary school students will compete with the squeals from the many farm animals during this year's Farm Field Days in Davis County.

"This is an opportunity for Wasatch Front children to see how cows are milked, how sheep are sheered and see the many other aspects of farm life," said Davis County Extension Agent, Justin Smith.

Steps to a Healthier You

UDAF Commissioner, Leonard Blackham, stresses the importance that consumer make wise choices when it comes to the foods they eat. The UDAF announces its support of the USDA's MyPyramid campaign. (http://www.mypyramid.gov/) Commissioner Blackham encourages teachers, parents and children to examine their eating habits and make healthy food choices.

According to the USDA, nearly one-third of America's children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.

"I am concerned with the growing number of children who are overweight, which is putting them at risk of contracting life-shortening diseases such as diabetes and heart disease," said Commissioner Blackham. "If we don't change this trend, our children may be the first generation whose life span will actually be shorter than their parents," he added.

MyPyramid replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992 and is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle.
MyPyramid recommends children and adults eat foods from each food group and focuses on making smart food choices. Physical activity is an important new element of the symbol.

Commissioner Blackham points to a balanced, three-legged approach to agricultural production that ultimately includes wise consumer choices.

"First there is the proper land stewardship by farmers and ranchers. Second, processors offer a safe and nutritious product. And third, the public must make wise choices about what kinds of foods and how much they consume," said Commissioner Blackham.

The USDA web site offers an interactive chart that suggests what kinds of foods we should be eating based on our age, gender and level of physical activity.

Future Farm Field Days

The Farm Field Days are sponsored by the Utah State University Extension Service and are scheduled as follows:

Davis County, Hamblin Dairy, April 26-27;
Salt Lake County, Butterfield Farm, May 3-4;
Beaver County, May 10;
Box Elder County, May TBA.

Invited guests include: Lt. Governor, Gary Herbert; Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Leonard Blackham; Davis County Commissioners; and Davis County legislative representatives.

Schedule for Tuesday's visit:
Student visits 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Dutch oven lunch and comments from guests: 12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Student visits 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Posted April 26, 2005