I can’t tell you how many times people have asked for an explanation of “the farmers’ share”. What exactly do we mean when we say “the farmers’ share”? Basically, it is the amount of money the farmer actually receives for the product. Here’s a little hint … just for reference, in 1980, farmers and ranchers received 31 cents out of every dollar. Well, today in the USA, farmers and ranchers receive roughly 15 cents out of every dollar spent on food at home and away from home. So, you ask; how can that be, where does the rest of the money go? The remaining 85 cents goes for wages and materials for production, processing, transportation, marketing and distribution – mostly the middle man. Which is why we encourage everyone to BUY LOCAL, supporting your local farmers and ranchers not only saves you money but puts money in their pockets, as well.
On March 8th , the Summit County Farm Bureau will be hosting our 15th annual Farmers’ Share Breakfast at Copley High School. Let’s look at the breakdown of the breakfast to see if the $1.00 charged for the breakfast is actually “the farmers’ share”:
Product
Sausage (4 ounces)
Pancakes (2)
Maple Syrup (2 ounces)
Milk (1 cup)
Eggs (2)
Coffee (1 cup)
Butter (2 pads)
Creamer (splash)
Sugar (1 packet)
Vegetable Spray
Amount
13 cents
5 cents
15 cents
5 cents
12 cents (cost changes daily)
4 cents
4 cents
2 cents
2 cents
1 cent
TOTAL 63 cents
WOW, “the farmer’s share” is actually LESS than the cost of the breakfast we will be serving.
Please accept this invitation to join us for a delicious breakfast, chat with your elected officials (from 9:30-10 AM), attend one of the educational seminars offered; Crop Rotation = Cover Crops (8:30 AM) or How to Attract Pollinators to Your Backyard (10 AM) and stop by the Summit County Farm Bureau table to say howdy, drop off a membership and/or purchase a SCFB t-shirt or hat. Hope to see you there!
Proceeds to benefit The Akron Canton Food Bank and our local Salvation Army.