There are many random, off-beat national days every day of the year. But, some of our favorites are the national, international, and world holidays that give agriculture a proverbial thumbs up. There are official, unofficial, and a lot of days that exist just because someone decided they should. One resource, the National Day Calendar can help narrow down those days, but we also wanted to highlight an easy-to-access list of national days in agriculture.
For agriculturists, these national days allow us the opportunity to educate and celebrate the products and benefits of agriculture each and every day. Here are a few you may want to mark down along with some resources to help you celebrate!
Use these links to jump directly to a month:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
JANUARY AG HOLIDAYS
January 6: National Bean Day
Beans, beans, the musical … this day celebrates beans in all sizes, shapes, and colors: green, red, kidney, lima, and soy. We’ve been cultivating legumes since the 7th millennium BC, and there are gobs of different beans recognized on National Bean Day. One such bean that stands out is the tepary bean, a sister to the common bean, but more heat-resistant.
» Related: Fighting food insecurity by building better beans
January 9: National Apricot Day
Related to the peach, the apricot’s velvety flesh is quite similar. However, the texture of the golden-orange fruit is firmer, and the flavor is more tart than its cousin’s. Since we easily preserve the apricot, we enjoy this versatile fruit all year long — fresh, canned, and dried.
» Related: Summer sweetness: Getting the best shelf life of stone fruit
January 11: National Milk Day
#NationalMilkDay commemorates the day that many think the first milk deliveries in glass bottles began in the United States. Alexander Campbell of the New York Dairy Company professed to the New York State Senate that his company was the first to make these deliveries in 1878. Today, real dairy milk is the official beverage of 22 states!
» Related: 5 facts you may not have known about milk
January 24: National Peanut Butter Day
January 24 marks National Peanut Butter Day, and no matter if you’re a creamy or chunky kind of person, this food has been an American staple for generations. Here are some amazing facts about peanuts and peanut butter!
» Related: Amazing facts about peanuts and peanut butter
FEBRUARY AG HOLIDAYS
February 4: National Hemp Day
Here’s a day for our hemp lovers. From plastic alternatives to woods, fiber, and boards, concrete and more, hemp is an increasingly popular agricultural product making its way into multiple facets of the industry.
» Related: Hemp as sustainable building blocks: This ancient ‘green building’ tech is making a comeback
February 17: National Cabbage Day
#NationalCabbageDay recognizes a garden fresh staple that provides some of the best recipes for St. Patty’s Day. From the French caboche, meaning head, cabbage comes in a variety of forms. The cabbage family is quite varied and includes Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, kohlrabi, and kale.
» Related: Could this become the world’s largest cabbage?
MARCH AG HOLIDAYS
March 1: National Pig Day
#NationalPigDay is here to celebrate pigs! And, they’re more than just bacon: There are a ton of everyday byproducts that come from pigs. And while we love bacon, they also make an awesome livestock project for exhibitors, too.
» Related: Judging pigs at livestock shows — here’s what to know
March 16: National Artichoke Hearts Day
Artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium — what better reason to celebrate them on this day?
» Related: If you want a summer harvest, try these crops
March 19: National Poultry Day
Chickens were introduced to America by Europeans in the 16th century, but poultry refers to all domestic birds that are raised for meat and eggs. That means that chickens, turkey, ducks, geese, quail, and pheasant all fit the mold.
» Related: Poultry judging — Here’s what to know for production birds
March 21: National Ag Day
#NationalAgDay was started in 1973 as a way to increase public awareness of agriculture’s role in society. American agriculture runs deep in our communities, and nearly every product we tough involves a farmer. Agriculture provides jobs from field to store and beyond. In every area of agriculture, innovation is happing every day. Each year, National Ag Day recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture across the United States.
» Related: Students to share the story of agriculture to celebrate National Ag Day
March 24: National Women in Agriculture Day (March 8: International Women’s Day)
What better opportunity do you need to celebrate the women of agriculture? While women make up about 28 percent of the agricultural workforce in the U.S., they’re integral to all areas of the operation. From field support, meal prepping, raising the next generation of agriculturalists, managing books, and supporting the family farm with jobs in town, women are keeping the wheels spinning in far more than 28 percent of production.
» Related: International Women’s Day celebrates women in ag
» Related: Women: The (often) unsung heroes of agriculture
» Related: What I’ve learned from the women in agriculture around me
» Related: Women in ag: There is no one-size-fits-all journey
March 31: National Tater Day
If you like your spuds, #NationalTaterDay on March 31 is for you! The day recognizes all kinds of potatoes which provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This versatile tuber is the top consumed vegetable in the U.S., and when you consider the ways you can eat any one of the over 200 varieties, you probably aren’t surprised!
» Related: ‘Before The Plate’: The value of the versatile potato
APRIL AG HOLIDAYS
April 4: International Carrot Day
This is the day to eat your carrots! And while this root vegetable may not be your best go-to when it comes to helping your vision, they’re an awesome way to help the body make vitamin A, they’re rich in nutrients, and they’re what some call “the perfect health vegetable.”
» Related: Carrot facts: The good, the bad … and the weird
April 10: National Farm Animals Day
Animal agriculture is integral to society, from the open spaces cattle provide to the nutrient-dense proteins that animal products are known for, and the byproducts animals help us produce. Farmers invest heavily in their livestock daily, continually educating themselves about the livestock they raise so they can provide them with the best care possible.
» Related: How the natural behaviors of animals can help smaller farms
April 14: National Pecan Day
There’s only one nut native to the U.S. — the pecan! It’s a favorite snack and ingredient across the country. Each year, National Pecan Day celebrates it. “Pecan” is an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack. Pecans are an excellent source of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin E, and dietary fiber.
» Related: The top agricultural commodity in each U.S. state
April 14: National Gardening Day
Not everyone wants to be a full-scale farmer. For those who enjoy simple gardening, this is a day to encourage you to pick up your shovel and get gardening!
» Related: The positive effects of gardening on mental health
April 19: National Banana Day
The day focuses on the nutrition and comedy this low-fat, low-calorie fruit provides. Bananas are also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, vitamins, and protein.
» Related: Fresh Del Monte goes bananas with world record fruit display
April 19: National Garlic Day
Garlic originated in Asia over 7,000 years ago. It’s known as a stinking rose, but garlic is a member of the lilac family, and a potent root that’s been seasoning dishes for thousands of years.
» Related: This is how harvesting garlic works
April 27: National Prime Rib Day
Sometimes known as the “king of meats,” prime bib is a choice cut from one of the eight prime cuts of beef!
» Related: Every cut explained: Take the butcher’s word for it
April 27: Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
This annual event is an educational program in the United States and Canada where parents take their children to work with them for one day. Taking your sons and daughter to work is nothing new to farmers and ranchers. In fact, 98 percent of farms are family farms in the U.S., and those account for 86 percent of farm production.
» Related: Farms We Follow
MAY AG HOLIDAYS
May 4: National Orange Juice Day
Orange juice is America’s most popular breakfast drink, plus it’s loaded with lots of great nutrients. Orange juice has come into scrutiny in recent years, but have no fear, orange juice is just as safe and delicious as ever!
» Related: Another dose of chemophobia — this time in orange juice
May 7: National Lemonade Day
This day may encourages the entrepreneurial spirit in young people all across the country. Not only is the celebration a time to enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade, but more importantly, it is a day to give youth an opportunity to experience the taste of success!
» Related: Seven year old sells lemonade to buy pony
May 10: National Shrimp Day
This day recognizes America’s favorite seafood — Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood. In fact, one farmer even turned his pig barns into a shrimp farm after retiring.
» Related: Ecuador aquaculture: Do you know where your shrimp come from?
May 13: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day
Food security is an integral issue in today’s world. Aside from raising and providing to food supplies globally and nationally, farmers and farm organizations are known for their generous donations to food pantries. Here are a few recent stories of donations:
» Related: Dairy farmers donate refrigerators and milk to food pantries
May 16: Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
The LBTQ community in rural and agricultural areas may encounter challenges in their everyday lives and professions. This day is a national day to draw awareness to and appreciation to the contributions made by LGBT older adults. Here are some articles about LGBT members in agriculture:
» Related: LGBTQ+ ag teachers on being their true and authentic selves
» Related: Ryan Goodman steers toward a future of more diversity and inclusion in agriculture
May 19: National Endangered Species Day
Preserving natural surroundings for America’s wildlife has long been a priority for America’s farmers and ranchers. Farms and ranches are home to many endangered species, providing cover, environment, and access to water to some of these vulnerable species. In fact, more than 140 million privately owned acres are enrolled involuntary federal conservation programs.
» Related: There is social and financial value in farmland conservation practices
» Related: Ecosystem services provided by agriculture
» Related: Perspective: Cattlemen live for this land
May 24: National Fruit and Vegetable Day
They’re not just good for you — they’re vital to the economy. National Fruit and Vegetable Day is set aside to celebrate produce and its impact on the American people and the whole food system. Here are some related resources to share on this national day:
» Related: Full economic impact of U.S. produce industry tallied for first time
May 28: National Hamburger Day
Nothing beats a good, old-fashioned hamburger! Americans eat over 50 billion burgers a year, so it’s a day worth celebrating. Here are some chains that do a lot to support agriculture and also, who have some pretty good burgers:
» Related: 5 chain restaurants most friendly to farmers and their rural communities
May 31: National Autonomous Vehicle Day
Autonomy is changing agriculture, autonomous and robotic tractors, sprayers, and harvesters are enabling farmers to accomplish more with fewer inputs.
» Related: Autonomous tree fruit harvester may improve labor challenges
JUNE AG HOLIDAYS
June 1: National Olive Day
The olive is a versatile fruit that traditionally is grown in the Mediterranean, tropical and central Asia, and parts of Africa. Full of healthy fat, they’re also rich in other nutrients.
» Related: The art and craft of olive oil production in California’s Ojai valley
June 3: National Egg Day
Despite back-and-forth debates on this nutrient-rich food, eggs are an easy choice if one’s looking for protein and vitamin D all in a small, low-fat package. There’s even a World Egg Day on the second Friday of October if you’d like to celebrate these little butt nuggets again this year!
» Related: Eggs set to be defined a ‘healthy food’ by the FDA
» Related: In-depth look into egg labels and their nutritional value
June 4: National Cheese Day
Mooooove over, and say CHEESE! Produced from the pressed curds of milk, there are so many varieties of cheese, one could undoubtedly broader their vocabulary looking them up. Every nation in the world has its own variety of cheese, but, did you know that seven of the world’s best cheeses are produced right here in Wisconsin?
» Related: Seven of the world’s best cheeses hail from Wisconsin
June 5: World Environment Day
What better way to celebrate World Environmental Day than with some of the world’s first environmentalists? Agriculturalists. Farmers and ranchers have the unique opportunity to work with natural resources almost daily. As stewards of the land, producers take their responsibility seriously.
» Related: Farmers tell agriculture’s sustainability story every day
June 11: National Corn on the Cob Day
It’s corn. Or “corn-stick,” “or sweet pole,” or just a “bit lump of juicy knobs.” We know. It has the juice. It’s the perfect pre-summer date to celebrate just one of the many (over 4,000) uses for corn.
» Related: Why do we grow so much corn?
June 12: National Jerky Day
What a day for meat lovers! For centuries, people have been preserving meat, but jerky is one of the best ways to do it. Founded by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and the Wisconsin Beef Council, National Jerky Day doesn’t have to be a holiday just for beef — you can make jerky out of just about any meat including emu, pork, alligator, and more!
June 15: National Photography Day
There’s just something about images from agriculture. And, with a national day all about photography, don’t forget to shares your images from agriculture. And, while you’re at it, make sure to use #agdaily to get features in our Ag on Instagram pictures of the day.
» Related: 5 things to think about with ag photography
June 19: Juneteenth
While Juneteenth may not be a typical national day in agriculture, this federal holiday in the U.S. commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves. On AGDAILY’s diversity page, there are many feature articles created in partnership with the American Farmland Trust on the history of minorities in the agriculture industry. Here are just a few:
» Related: The next generation of Black agriculturalists: Inspired by history to achieve excellence
» Related: Mirhonda Good on FFA — What this generation needs now
» Related: Sweet Jones Farms: Raising food, family, and new farmers
» Related: A taste of home: Changing the world through fresh food
June 27: World Microbiome Day
Microbiomes are incredibly important to the health of humans, animals, plants, and the planet. These small communities of bacteria work together towards a common goal, and companies are working to identify the microbiomes and agriculture practices that will help agriculture to become more sustainable and productive.
» Related: How the microbiome is affecting agriculture
» Related: From the microbiome to the sky, technology helps ag go greener
JULY AG HOLIDAYS
Second Tuesday in July: Cow Appreciation Day
Hilariously coined by Chick-fil-A, this holiday isn’t about more than celebrating eating chicken (even if the free sandwiches are a major perk). Cattle give us plenty to celebrate from beef to byproducts and everything in between. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the animals themselves are pretty amazing converters of forage.
» Related: Perspective: Cows or people — who will it be?
Third Sunday in July: National Ice Cream Day
Declared by President Ronal Reagan in 1984 by Proclamation 5219, July is National Ice Cream Month. Even better, the third Sunday of July is known as National Ice Cream Day. The president hailed ice cream as, “a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of Americans.” And, we couldn’t agree more.
» Related: National Ice Cream Month: Celebrating this favorite summer treat
Fourth Saturday in July: National Day of the Cowboy
Recognizing the hard work and symbolism of the West, the National Day of the Cowboy is set aside to celebrate cattlemen’s contribution to America’s culture and heritage.
» Related: These pics perfectly capture the cowboy way of life
» Related: Women are changing the face of the ‘Western cowboy’
AUGUST AG HOLIDAYS
August 3: National Watermelon Day
An icon of summertime, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, cool slice of watermelon. Not only is it tasty, the fruit is worth celebrating with antioxidants and amino acids that help to repair body tissues, break down food, and regulate blood pressure.
» Related: Researchers find numerous health benefits in watermelon
August 4: National Beer Day
National Beer Day celebrates the reversal of prohibition in the United States in 1933 when the Cullen-Harrison act was signed. Beef manufacturers and breweries are awesome not only because of the beer they brew using fermentation, but the spent grains are then turned into bread, animal feed, energy, and compost.
» Related: Waste not, want not: Eat beer and drink sandwiches!
August 8: National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
Zucchini here, zucchini there. It’s the time of year when anyone with a garden probably has too many zucchinis. And, even if it’s been canned, sautéed, made into bread, you probably still have enough zucchini to sneak a few onto your neighbor’s porch.
August 26: National Dog Day
Many farmers and ranchers have a trusty working dog or companion that helps them complete chores around the farm or ranch. To celebrate these pups, here’s a day just for them! And, don’t forget that each year, the American Farm Bureau Federation chooses a Farm Dog of the Year.
» Related: 5 of the best dog breeds to have around the farm
SEPTEMBER AG HOLIDAYS
First Friday of September: National Food Bank Day
Hunger continues to be a national concern, even with the abundance of food U.S. farmers produce. Each year, meat packing companies, FFA groups, and other ag-centric businesses donate meals and time to food banks around the country to combat hunger.
» Related: Living to serve: Branson FFA volunteers pack 12,848 meals
» Related: Tyson Foods donates 160K pounds of protein to tribal citizens
Fourth Saturday in September: National Public Lands Day
According to the National Park Service, it’s traditionally the largest single-day volunteer effort, encouraging stewardship, the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. However, what’s Public Lands Day without recognizing the people who live, work on, and help to maintain precious resources, open spaces, and wildlife? Public lands ranchers.
» Related: Federal grazing lands have heavy implications for economy
OCTOBER AG HOLIDAYS
October 12: National Farmer’s Day
Farmers are the backbone of America, and today is a day to celebrate them. #NationalFarmersDay is also an excellent day to connect with consumers about the daily life and products that farmers produce.
» Related: What to do when you see #ThankAFarmer on National Farmer’s Day?
October 20: National Youth Confidence Day
This day celebrates the accomplishments and potential of young people. One of the best ways that we know how to instill confidence and future success in youth is through the National FFA Organization.
» Related: The history of the FFA creed
» Related: 14 FFA quotes that will tug at your heartstrings
October 26: National Pumpkin Day
An integral part of American culture, National Pumpkin Day recognizes this favorite fall decoration and nutritious food option. The fruit’s flesh is high in fiber and beta carotene, and the toasted or baked seeds are also rich in potassium and protein.
» Related: Pumpkins are more than just jack-o-lanterns
October 28: World Chocolate Day
There are plenty of holidays that focus around this tasty treat. Valentines Day, World Chocolate Day, and even more. But, this tasty treat gets its start from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. It’s a food that’s been cultivated for hundreds of years.
» Related: Growing cocoa beans — farming for sweet chocolates
NOVEMBER AG HOLIDAYS
November 17: National Butter Day
National Butter Day gives us an extra reason to celebrate dairy’s famous, creamy ingredient. While we don’t use butter churns anymore, Americans still eat a lot of butter.
» Related: For the love of butter: The story of the oldest family-owned creamery
» Related: How the fight against ‘bogus butter’ changed the world
Third Thursday in November: National Rural Health Day
Rural communities are a wonderful place to live, but they’re not without their struggles. On November 17, 2022, President Biden recognized this day officially as rural health day. Aside from the struggles with ensuring quality health care is available by the Biden administration, mental health in rural America remains a topic of importance.
» Related: Farmer mental health comes to the forefront as pressing rural need
» Related: Ways to strengthen the farm by strengthening yourself
» Related: Mental health in agriculture: Let’s erase the stigma
DECEMBER AG HOLIDAYS
December 5: World Soil Day
World Soil Day is held annually as a means to focus attention on the importance of soil health and protecting soil as one of our valuable, natural resources.
» Related: Farmers & ranchers celebrate National Soil Health Day
» Related: Top 5 ways to make a difference on World Soil Day
December 13: National Day of the Horse
National Day of the Horse honors the contributions that the horse has made to American history. The horse industry still contributes roughly $9.2 billion to the U.S. economy and is a staple on many cattle ranching operations. While horse meat and wild horse herds remain a divisive topic, this species of livestock has stirred the passions of Americans for centuries.
» Related: Horse meat in the United States: Decades of divisiveness
» Related: Riding with style: The difference between English and Western horseback riding
December 17: National Maple Syrup Day
Spring is the time that maple syrup is typically collected, but year round, it’s something worth celebrating. And, this day in December is a special day for this product. In cold climates, the starch stored in tree trunks and roots in converted to sugar that rises in the sap. Producers bore holes into maple trees releasing and collecting that sap, which is then processed by heating to leave the delicious, concentrated syrup many of us enjoy on pancakes and French toast.
» Related: Maple syrup — A natural sweetener & family tradition
» Related: Do you know where your maple syrup comes from?
No matter how you choose to celebrate, you can be sure that there’s plenty about agriculture worth sharing and celebrating. If you know of a day you think should be up on this list of national days related to food and agriculture, be sure to let us know!
