Farming For The Fourth

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist, BCCD
If you live in Rural America, you’ve probably heard the expression “Knee High by the Fourth of July” in reference to a growing corn crop. On a weekend when social media is flooded by photos and videos of firework displays, farmers are more commonly sharing images of them standing in corn fields to show off their crops to gain bragging rights over neighboring farmers. The origin of this phrase was in a time that this was a benchmark to gauge a successful yield. Corn is typically planted in April or May for a mid-Fall harvest. This year’s wet conditions aside, (in the northeast US) farming advancements and technology allow for corn to be much higher than knee high by the fourth. Shorter growing day corn is a beneficial advancement for those of us with shorter growing seasons. Keeping in mind how much farming practices have evolved, here are a few facts to keep in mind reflecting on how we celebrate this year’s Independence Day.

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While enjoying your picnic foods this weekend take a moment to think about where your food comes from. Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, fresh produce and ice cream are all provided by…you guessed it, FARMERS! “Cattle, calves, corn and soybeans are the top three U.S. farm products,” (American Farm Bureau). Farmers make up 2% of the population and feed the rest of the 98%. “About 6% of U.S. farms market foods locally through direct-to-consumer sales.” Shopping local farmer’s markets, farm stands, or farm stores is a great way to source healthy, safe products, while also supporting your local industry.

I’m not sure many farms in the northeast will have corn that is “Knee High by the Fourth of July” this year, but if you got it planted, we will celebrate that victory. Though most focus on fireworks and food, let us not forget the real point of Independence Day, to celebrate our nation. In addition to feeding our country, “9% of farmers have served in the military”. Happy Independence Day!

Sources: American Farm Bureau, Fast Facts About Agriculture & Food, www.fb.org/fast-facts.
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The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.