Although Christmas music has already begun, I consider this week to be the official kick-off to the holiday season.  And within a few days we’ll be getting together to spend time with family and friends, watch football, and eat way more than we possibly should.  Hopefully we’ll take a little extra time to relax and reflect on all of the gifts the Lord has blessed us with as well.

Whether it’s the economy, sports, politics, or the weather, we often get caught up in the issues that mess up our days and complicate our lives.  But when you think about the people in your life and the opportunities that are in front of you, you’ll realize that all your daily inconveniences seem quite trivial.

Our talents and abilities, both physical and intellectual, allow us to do jobs that many people are unable to perform.  And on top of that, we are privileged to live in a country where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are promised to everyone.  What we do with all these gifts is up to us.  Regardless of how we choose to use them, this Thursday might be a good day to stop and remember how fortunate we are for all that we’ve been given.

And toward that end, I’d like to take this time to say ‘Thank You’ to all of the dedicated, hard-working people within the dairy industry that provide us with the one thing so many of us take for granted.  You see, this Thanksgiving is actually a lot like every other day.  If it weren’t for the long hours and hard work of our nation’s farmers, millions of people would go hungry.

And as the general public becomes further removed from the process and the places that produce the food we all need and enjoy, many people are unaware of the resources and effort it takes to put meals on our families’ tables.  Unfortunately a lot of people have come to expect that food will always be readily available, affordable, and safe.  And it will continue to be up to all of us to promote our industry’s commitment to keeping America fed and clothed.

At the same time, I’m afraid many dairy producers tend to get caught up in the daily grind and forget what it is they really do for us.  Not only do you take on the risk of operating and growing your dairy business as a means to provide for your own family, but you also do this to provide for families across the world.

While your work allows people in small towns and rural communities to live and prosper, it also puts the well-being of our natural resources and livestock into the hands of people who have the most experience caring for both.  And if producing our nation’s food wasn’t enough of a commitment, now many dairy producers are willing to develop and invest in new technologies that will protect our environment and create alternative energy solutions.

I’m sincerely proud and grateful to be part of an industry that does so much good.  Regardless of the current state of the economy, our country can count on the dairy industry to continue feeding people from coast to coast while providing year-round employment and consistent economic stimulus.

We are truly fortunate that God has blessed our families with so many of His gifts.  He has entrusted our farmers with the great responsibility of feeding our nation and caring for all that He has created.  For all your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication… Thank You Farmers.  We’re grateful for all you do.