February 27th was a day to honor farmers for providing us with the most affordable food in the world. The average American earns enough income to pay for their annual food supply in about seven weeks. By comparison, the average American works until around mid-April to pay for their annual taxes.

U.S. consumers spend about 10% of their disposable annual income on food. This compares to 14% for Japan, 32% for China and 38% of disposable income for the consumers of the Philippines.

The Logan County Farm Bureau Federation with assistance from members of the Logan County FFA Chapter conducted a “Food Check-out Day” Feb. 27th at the Russellville Priceless IGA and the Lewisburg IGA grocery store. At each location participants guessed the value of a typical basket of groceries. A $50 first place prize and $25 second place prize of a gift certificate for groceries were given to the winners at both locations. 

Farm Bureau members Jerry Hughes, Bobby Dawson and Doug Milliken worked at the Russellville Priceless IGA location. They were assisted by Logan County FFA members Morgan Hunt, president elect; Jenna Simmons, reporter elect; and Shelby Blythe, secretary elect. There were 84 participants with Keri Hostetler winning first place and Sheri Hershberger winning second place.

The Food Check-out at the Lewisburg IGA was staffed by Farm Bureau members Carrell Hughes, women’s chairman; Karen Milliken; and Gary Jenkins. They were assisted by FFA members Abby Arnold, treasurer elect and Kenton Howard, vice president elect. There were 34 participants with Cindy Stark winning first place and Pat Lyons winning second place. 

These food check-out events were conducted to give recognition to the American farmers for providing us with affordable food. As a result, we have more money to spend on other things which boosts our whole economy and quality of life.