Just like electricity, agriculture is something we rely on every day. On March 19, we celebrate National Ag Day, a time to recognize and honor farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals. These individuals work tirelessly to provide the essential resources that sustain our communities.
Every day, our lives are touched by the dedication of farmers who grow the essentials we all depend on.
Supporting future generations of farmers is essential to sustaining the agricultural industry. In honor of National Ag Day, two local students, Aubrey Mekus and Easton Carver, show no hesitation to express their devotion to agriculture and appreciation for the values the industry represents. Blending classroom knowledge with real-world experiences is important for any agricultural student to learn.
Today’s agriculture industry is built on innovation, modern technology, and reliable power. Farmers are dedicated to meeting increasing demands while managing the land and resources. In fact, electric cooperatives only exist because of the dedication farmers have towards their rural communities. Electricity was brought to rural areas because they recognized the vital need for reliable electricity to empower local farms and businesses.
Future Farmer, Aubrey Mekus
Aubrey Mekus, a student at Union Academy, never expected an agriculture class to change her life. “I never knew how deeply the subject would capture my interest,” she said. In the end, Aubrey loved the class so much each day that she looked forward to returning home and telling her family all that she had recently learned. She hopes everyone will take a moment to appreciate the hands that grow and produce our food and fiber, and to give thanks to them not just on National Ag Day, but every day.
After high school, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University (OSU) and major in Animal Science. While at OSU, she hopes to join the Ferguson College of Agriculture competitive team in livestock judging, meat judging, quadrathlon, and meat animal evaluation.
Future Agriculturist, Easton Carver
Growing up, Easton Carver, a student at Piedmont High School, was always surrounded by agriculture. Being around hard-working role models on the farm, agriculture has come naturally to her, and she loves every aspect of it. Easton brings her passion to the classroom by being involved in her school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. “National Ag Day brings FFA students together to share their experiences throughout their chapters, clubs, and with the public. It also connects past, present, and future generation of farmers and highlights the important role agriculture plays behind the scenes of our everyday lives,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Easton plans to attend Gaston Community College to earn her associate’s degree and pursue a career as a veterinary technician specializing in large animals.
As North Carolina’s agricultural and energy industries continue to grow, we are proud to provide safe and reliable power to our farmers and future farmers, like Aubrey and Easton.
Thank you, farmers, agricultural members, and partners, for the vital ways you impact our daily lives. We are proud to support you!
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Union Power’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and the communities we serve by delivering on our promise to provide safe, reliable electric power and energy services with exceptional value.
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