Ronald Reagan

“ American agriculture, and the many service industries that depend upon it in cities and towns and along all the routes in between, is a story of extraordinary labor creating extraordinary abundance. At this time of year, it is only fitting that all Americans should offer some special sign of thanks to those who grow, harvest, and bring to our Nation's tables the fruits of sun, seed, and soil. ”

“ I call upon all Americans, in rural areas and cities alike, to join in recognizing the accomplishments of our productive farmers and of our urban residents, who cooperate to create abundance, wealth, and strength for our Nation. ”

“ America's farmers have provided food and fiber to sustain our people throughout decade after decade of progress. Farmers' productivity has increased steadily, thanks largely to their initiative in supporting and adopting the methods and materials developed by scientific research. Yield per acre has grown tremendously, with the result that American farmers are able not only to meet the Nation's basic needs for foodstuffs, but also to produce agricultural goods for export and for a wide variety of specialty markets here in the United States and around the world. ”