I have thought quite a lot over the last few days about my #foodthanks thoughts for the year. The more I thought the more I really did not know where to start.

See, I became introduced to agriculture not just by my husband but during a Young, Farmers and Ranchers Fall tour here in Tennessee. Brian talked me into going with the promise of touring a cheese farm and a country ham maker.

I must admit, I was a foodie before I was educated enough to love agriculture.

So, this year my food thanks thoughts are about every single person I have met that has taken time to educate this “city” raised farmer’s wife about all the good things Agriculture can do for you, me, and our World.

I thank dairy producers with their long lonely hours for the fresh milk, cheese, and ice cream that I love.

I thank the pork producers for BarBQ, ribs, bacon, and yes I even thank them for Lard (it makes great biscuits).

I thank beef producers for hamburgers, steaks, leather, and more.

I thank the vegetable and fruit producers. From my daily apples and carrots, to spinach, kale, turnips, brussels sprouts and more, you as a group provide vitamins and taste to the daily diet.

I thank Poultry producers (fried chicken), corn growers (its a food, fuel and so much more), and soy growers. I thank the rice farmers.

I also thank cotton growers for the close I wear and the fibers I use.

I think the forestry workers for their conservation and utilization of our forest products.

I thank the lamb and veal producers.

As a group, I find agriculturist are a group committed to their land, their products, and their profession. So, again from a humble family doc here in upper middle Tennessee, I send my food thanks for broadening my life to the wonders of agriculture and bountiful products used by us all every day.