National Agriculture Day, celebrated on March 18th is a time to recognize the incredible contributions of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who provide the essential ingredients that fuel our kitchens and nourish our communities. From the grains that become our bread to the fruits that sweeten our desserts, agriculture is the foundation of everything we bake. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of agriculture and how we can support the people and practices that sustain our food system. Here are several ways bakers can show their appreciation and make a positive impact on the agricultural community.

1. Create Seasonal Menus

Celebrate the bounty of each season by incorporating fresh, locally grown ingredients into your baking. Seasonal menus not only highlight the hard work of farmers but also bring the freshest flavors to your table. Whether it’s apple pies in the fall, strawberry shortcakes in the spring, or zucchini bread in the summer, baking with seasonal ingredients connects you to the rhythms of local agriculture.

Tip: Check out this great selection of seasonal recipes from King Arthur Baking Company for inspiration!

2. Help Educate Others

Use your platform as a baker or educator to teach others about the importance of agriculture. Share stories about the farmers you source from, their sustainable practices, and the benefits of supporting local agriculture. This can be done through social media posts, classroom discussions, or signage at your bakery or café. By raising awareness, you help others understand where their food comes from and the impact of their choices.

Classroom Activity: Assign students to research a local farm or crop and present their findings. Discuss how agriculture impacts their daily lives and the role it plays in their favorite baked goods.

3. Host A Farm to Table Dinner or Bake Sale

Bring your community together by hosting a farm-to-table dinner or bake sale featuring locally sourced ingredients. These events are a fun way to celebrate the connection between farmers and bakers while fostering a greater appreciation for the labor that goes into producing high-quality ingredients.

Tip: Need help planning? Here’s everything you need to know about hosting a bake sale!

4. Thank A Farmer

Encourage your students, customers, or community members to write thank-you letters to local farmers. Expressing gratitude for the fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy that nourish us is a simple yet powerful way to build a deeper connection to agriculture.

Classroom Activity: To support this initiative, we recommend exploring lesson plans and activities like this Farmer Appreciation resource. Search for engaging resources and ideas to help students craft meaningful messages and learn more about local agriculture. Learn about the farmers in your community.

Meet Roy Motter

Roy Motter farms 2,500 acres in the Imperial Valley of California. Farming since the 1970s, he grows wheat, lettuce, cabbage, onions and sugar beets.

Ardis Hammock

Alan & Ardis Hammock are dedicated sugar cane growers in Florida, where they manage their farm with a commitment to educating the next generation of farmers.

Meet Eric Maier

Eric Maier’s family farms nearly 7,000 acres around Ritzville, Washington, and their wheat is used to produce baking flour for things like sponge cake and flatbread.

National Farmer’s Day is a perfect opportunity to send a card or share kind words with farmers in your community. Have you visited your local farmer’s market recently? Now is an excellent time to do so!

5. Advocate for Farmers

Use your voice to advocate for policies that support local agriculture. Whether it’s writing to your local representatives or joining initiatives that promote sustainable farming, your influence as a baker can help create a better environment for farmers. Consider joining local organizations that focus on agricultural advocacy like Future Farmers of America. 

Tip: Look for local organizations that focus on agricultural advocacy and consider partnering with them for events or campaigns.

6. Visit A Farmer’s Market

National Agriculture Day is the perfect time to visit your local farmers market or even a nearby farm. Meet the people who grow your food, learn about their practices, and stock up on fresh, local ingredients for your baking.

Classroom Activity: Organize a field trip to a local farm or farmers market. Have students interview farmers and create a presentation or report about their experience.

National Agriculture Day is a reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in our lives—from the flour in our bread to the sugar in our cookies. By celebrating farmers, supporting local agriculture, and educating others, we can help build a more sustainable and resilient food system.

This National Agriculture Day, let’s take a moment to honor the hardworking individuals who make our baking possible. Whether it’s through seasonal baking, advocacy, or a simple thank-you, every action counts. Let’s celebrate agriculture—not just today, but every day—by making choices that support the people and practices that feed us all.

Share how you’re celebrating National Agriculture Day with us on social media using the hashtag #BakeForAgriculture. Together, we can show our appreciation for the farmers and agricultural workers who make our baking journeys possible!