S.C.R. 3 Enrolled

RESOLUTION DECLARING 1998 THE YEAR
OF THE FARMER
1998 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Alarik Myrin
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR
DECLARING 1998 THE YEAR OF THE FARMER; URGING THE CITIZENS OF UTAH
TO REFLECT ON HOW FARMING, RANCHING, AND AGRICULTURE IN GENERAL
GREATLY IMPACT THEIR WAY OF LIFE.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS the average Utah family of four consumes approximately 2-1/2 tons of food
each year;
WHEREAS Utah farmers have made extensive efforts to keep up with the increasing
demand;
WHEREAS the United States has less than 7% of the world's land, but produces 13% of
the world's farm commodities;
WHEREAS the average Utah farm family produces enough food to feed 129 other people;
WHEREAS although the agricultural resource base has not changed substantially, total
agricultural production has more than doubled since 1930;
WHEREAS February 1998 is the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Utah Association
of Soil Conservation Districts and the 60th anniversary of soil conservation districts organized
under the Utah Soil Conservation District Act;
WHEREAS because of the Utah farmer's productivity, Utah families buy their food for less
of their disposable income today than they could even a few years ago;
WHEREAS Utah food and agriculture producers and processors set an export record for
the fifth year in a row in 1996, totaling $280 million;
WHEREAS although marketing of Utah crops and livestock in 1996 produced a 7%
increase in cash receipts over 1995, production expenses contributed to a decline in actual farm
income;

WHEREAS urban sprawl, which cuts into available farmland, threatens the ability of Utah's
farmers to continue their excellent record of production and to maintain Utah's tradition of
self-reliance;
WHEREAS under current growth patterns, six-tenths of an acre of food-producing farmland
will be available for each person in Utah in 50 years, compared to the 1.2 acres needed to supply an
individual's nutritional needs;
WHEREAS the benefits of agricultural land include food and fiber production, wildlife
habitat, scenic vistas, psychological well-being of citizens, and enhanced economic and
environmental health;
WHEREAS agriculture and its related industries provide challenging and fulfilling career
opportunities;
WHEREAS only 2% of Utahns are farmers, yet agriculture accounts for 20% of the
economy;
WHEREAS because the average age of Utah's farmers is 66, it is critical that young people
consider agriculture and related careers so the state's agricultural industry is not lost altogether;
WHEREAS the protection of prime farm and agricultural land is really the preservation of
our own and our children's future;
WHEREAS farmers and ranchers are great conservationists of soil, water, and other natural
resources, and are excellent stewards of wildlife habitat;
WHEREAS it is farmers and ranchers--those who work the land and raise the animals--who
help sustain life, who bring the greatest convenience to modern life, and truly understand the price
of that convenience;
WHEREAS communities can work together to make agriculture economically sustainable
and keep farms intact; and
WHEREAS it is fitting that, as we honor Utah's rich cultural heritage, we continue the
celebration by recognizing one of the most important parts of the state's history--the work of
agricultural producers:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the

- 2 -

Governor concurring therein, designate 1998 as the Year of the Farmer in Utah.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor urge the citizens of
Utah to reflect on the contributions made by farmers who work the soil and ranchers who raise the
animals to produce the food and fiber that sustains lives, and encourage Utahns to support the state's
agricultural products.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the United States
Department of Agriculture, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the American Farm
Bureau Federation, the Utah Farm Bureau, the Utah Cattlemen's Association, the Utah Dairymen's
Association, the Rural Community and Economic Development Association, the Utah Wool
Growers Association, the Utah Farmers Union, the Utah State University Extension, the National
Association of Conservation Districts, the Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and the
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget.

- 3 -