1998 To Be The Year Of The Farmer

This is the year that Utahns officially thank the many thousands of farmers and ranchers across the state. The year-long thank you began on Capitol Hill on Friday, January 23 when Governor Leavitt and the Utah Legislature authorized and signed a resolution proclaiming 1998 the "Year of the Farmer."

Click here to view the full text of the resolution.

Touched by a Farmer

The Year of the Farmer kicks off with a celebration at the Davis County Fairgrounds where more than two dozen people will perform a living tribute to the Utah farmer. The tribute features essays and short performances by Governor Leavitt, Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Cary G. Peterson, as well as farmers, community leaders, sports figures and many other community representatives. The tribute is called "A Farmer's Touch" and is written and produced by Utah Association of Conservation Districts Education Specialist, Sherri Einfeldt.

"The living tribute was created to help everyone understand how Utah farmers touch nearly everything in our lives," Einfeldt. said. "From the time we wake up, through the entire day, Utah agriculture is part of our lives. We need to see the human side of farming and ranching," she added.

The living tribute performance is set for 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 26, 1998 in the Exhibition Building at the Davis County Fairgrounds, 151 S. 1100 W. Farmington, Utah. The Year of the Farmer celebration will also include a live petting zoo, homemade soups and chilies made from Utah products, as well as a tractor display and presentations from local agriculture organizations.

Davis County resident and song writer Steve Flint will perform the Year of the Farmer theme song, "Cousin of the Cowboy." Flint created the song to reflect the humble yet important profession that Utah farmers enjoy.

Contact Sherri Einfeldt at (801) 547-9430 or Larry Lewis at the UDAF, (801) 538-7104 for information.

Posted January 26, 1998