Six days ago, there were 10 people under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County to help prevent the possible spread of coronavirus and today there are 21 people under mandatory quarantine.

Not all of the people who were part of that group of 10 are still under mandatory quarantine, according to the Health Department. Some of those people tested negative for COVID-19.

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, a public information officer for the Genesee/Orleans Health Department, said the exact number of people under mandatory quarantine who tested negative and were removed from quarantine is not available. We've never had an exact count of the number of people under mandatory quarantine who are also symptomatic. But everybody who is symptomatic and had contact with a known COVID-19 patient has been tested.

For some, results have not yet returned from one of the New York State labs.

If a person had direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, that person is placed, by order of the public health director, under mandatory quarantine.

Not everybody under mandatory quarantine is symptomatic.

In the current group of 21, not all necessarily had contact with the one known case in Genesee County.

Through contact tracing, multiple people were identified as possible direct contacts with that one positive case.

If they are not symptomatic, they must remain in quarantine for 14 days. If they remain symptom-free through that two-week period, they are released from quarantine.

People who tested negative but are ill are asked to avoid contact with other people because they might be contagious with another bug.

Swabs are sent to state labs by both the health department -- from those mandatory quarantines -- and from private providers, who don't have the authority to order mandatory quarantines but are expected to direct their patients to self-quarantine. 

So far, there have been 44 negative test results for COVID-19 for residents of Genesee County. Goodrich-Kresse said there is no way to differentiate the source of those tests.

The health of the one person who tested positive is improving, according to health department officials.

For today's health department briefing, published earlier, click here.

"Spiritual Connections"  -- The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities, and/or spiritual advisors, etc.

If you have information to announce, please email:    billie@thebatavian.com    OR    howard@thebatavian.com

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St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia is now posting its Sunday and Lenten weekday bulletins with worship service and sermons on their website. The Church office is not open to visitors but office staff is on hand to take calls during normal office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for any questions or needs of the congregation. A phone tree has been put in place to check on those that might be home and unable to go out publicly to retrieve necessities. If you do not receive a call, and have a need for assistance, please call the main office at (585) 343-0488. Email address is:   stpaulbatavia@gmail.com

Press release:

While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 400,000 New York State residents living with dementia and their care partners.

Most notably, public health strategies aimed at limiting contact with others is nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives.

This reality affects these individuals across all settings, including home, adult day services, residential and assisted living facilities and nursing homes. 

To help family caregivers navigate the quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is offering additional guidance to families:

• Free dementia education programs and support groups via the internet. Learn more at communityresourcefinder.org or call 1.800.272.3900.
• You also have access to prerecorded educational courses available at any time at training.alz.org.
• Early Stage Social Engagement programs will be available virtually including: Virtual Tour of the Albright Knox; Virtual Art Gallery tours ; Virtual De-stress and Restore Chair Yoga; Virtual Music Jam Session. To register, please call 716-626-0600, ext. 8997, or email  Maggie at mgconcannon@alz.org.
• Care Consultations will be available in several ways: • 24/7 by Phone: 1-800-272-3900 • Live Chat via our website  www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving • Video Call during business hours at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313, to schedule a time that works for you.

Our website offers some tips and tools for home-based caregivers and for those whose loved one is in a facility. That info can be found at alz.org/COVID19.

The Le Roy Town Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26th has been cancelled.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported in the city at North and Summit streets. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The Le Roy Rotary Community Kitchen will be serving its regular hot dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. today at Le Roy Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St.

Organizers said meals – pulled pork or ham, potatoes, salad, desserts -- are being served via a drive-thru process and bags of groceries will be given to their patrons.

There is no charge for the dinners and take-home items will also be available at no cost.

The Le Roy Rotary Community Kitchen is a biweekly dinner that is available at no cost. The meals are served on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the Le Roy Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St. in Le Roy.

SITUATIONAL UPDATE:

• As of 2 p.m. today the lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 are now two new positives for Orleans County and still one confirmed case for Genesee County. We have the initial one confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and now have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 for Orleans County. Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 44 negative test results, and Orleans 43 negative test results, for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Four people are under precautionary quarantine; 13 people are under mandatory quarantine; and three people are under mandatory isolation -- one of whom is hospitalized and two are recovering at home. The new positive cases reside in the center part of the county and are not associated. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65. The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases. Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department.
• Genesee County: Seven people are under precautionary quarantine; 21 people are under mandatory quarantine; and one person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation at home and is recovering.
• “We will start to see our numbers increase moving forward. We expect to see an increase in local cases due to increased swabbing and testing as this is in line with the reality of community spread,” said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is determined the day the identified positive case had symptoms. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated. Currently, NYS clearance criteria require two negative COVID-19 swabbing results prior to being released. Swabbing through the health departments is warranted as part of our quarantine/isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.
• A reminder as discussed last week. We are placing individuals on quarantine and isolation from the health department but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. Once the county receives test results from the state (whether the swabbing occurred at primary care provider or through contact with the health department) it is then determined whether the individual remains on quarantine, released or is changed to mandatory isolation (for positive swab results) per the NYS guidance. This is very important. Number one, the person tested because they were symptomatic, that’s why they’re being swabbed, and secondly, we don’t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result. The flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
• This week, United Memorial Medical Center completed the assembly and installation of a series of tents outside the hospital's Emergency Department. This is a multi-tent system that will act as an extension of their primary care offices. Additional details will follow as the project progresses.
• On Monday, March 23^rd, hospitals in NYS were mandated to increase their capacity by 50 percent; although, the Governor urged hospitals to consider increasing their capacity by 100 percent.
• Phone banks have been set up in both counties to assist with the overflow of calls. Callers will be asked about the nature of their call and the staff will triage and forward the calls as appropriate. We encourage businesses, to contact the Department of Labor if they have questions about their business operations.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community continues to be limited. If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations – elderly and immune-compromised and those with underlying health issues. Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie counties.  We’re still waiting on more public/private labs to sign-on soon along with swabbing kits.
• Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slowly. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state.
• We are asking individuals to follow the orders that are put out there. If you believe an employer is violating either existing labor laws or recently issued @NYGocCuomo executive orders, please contact the @NewYorkStateAG's office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov.

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2020/attorney-general-james-urges-employees-file-complaints-against-employers-ignoring

NEW YORK STATE CASES / RESTRICTIONS / GUIDANCE

• As of March 24, 2020, at 11 a.m. according to Governor Andrew Cuomo there are 4,790 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,665 in New York State.
• Monroe County: 96 confirmed cases in Monroe County.
• Erie County: 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Erie County.
• Wyoming County: Four Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Niagara County: 12 Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Effective Saturday, March, 21^st beginning at 8 p.m., all personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors in NYS will be mandated to close. These professions cannot conduct business while maintaining social distancing.
• On Friday, March 20, 2020, Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating that 100 percent of the workforce must stay home (excluding essential services). This order excludes healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.
• Civil fines and mandatory closures for a business that are not in compliance will be issued.
• DOH Test Kits are NOT available. More information will be forthcoming when we receive notice.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is in extremely short supply with no guidance as to when more will be supplied.
• Gatherings with 50 people or more are not permitted for the next eight weeks.
• Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems:
  • Remain indoors;
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise;
  • Prescreen all visitors by taking their temperature;
  • Wear a mask in the company of others;
  • Stay at least 6 feet from others;
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

GENERAL HEALTH REMINDERS / INFORMATION

Flu – for the week ending March 14: Orleans -- 8 flu that week and 257 for the season; Genesee – 22 cases of flu and 588 for the season! Statewide cases during this time frame 6,075 with total NYS cases for the season to date, 153,293. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher.

We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu – more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home.

• Mental Health in both counties are available in various capacities and the Care + Crisis.

The helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text 741741 for anxiety and stress.

• Be alert to scams…there are no FDA-approved at-home test kits for COVID-19.
• Please refer to the county websites for current daily updates and guidance documents. Orleans County’s website is still down, so we ask to visit the Genesee County website or follow GOHealthNY (user names) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We are also providing updates on the Genesee Ready and Orleans Aware apps.
• Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care – call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.

Continue Social Distancing and daily hygiene practices:

• Hand Hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use of hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol;
• Stay 6 feet away from others;
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces;
• Avoid touching your face;
• Avoid contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home when sick;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Canceling events/closure of public spaces;
• Encourage people to take care of themselves to take care of their immune systems:
  • Eat healthy – fruits & vegetables, whole grains, low fat meats, etc.;
  • Get plenty of rest;
  • Drink plenty of water;
  • Stop smoking or abusing drugs and alcohol, seek appropriate help;
  • Limit media time to help decrease stress;
  • Keep in contact with older family members by phone, Face Time, cards and letters if you can’t visit in person;
  • Take time for walks, play outside, do puzzles, help keep you children engaged with their studies;
  • Start or continue a hobby.

Vulnerable / Priority Populations

• Older adults (65 years of age and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.
• Underlying medical conditions may include but are not limited to:
  • Chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Weakened immune system
  • Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
• Women who are pregnant
  If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:
• Stay home as much as possible. (Rely on help to get groceries/necessities such as prescriptions so you do not have to go out in public). Talk with your healthcare provider about providing 90-day prescription orders and ask your pharmacist if you can refill early to limit trips out in public.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid nonessential travel
• Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A face mask should only be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
• Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Symptoms for COVID-19 are shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever.

As a precautionary measure, UMMC has erected tents outside its Emergency Department to help triage patients if it becomes necessary to deal with an overflow of people during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a previous interview, CEO Dan Ireland emphasized this is an act of preparedness and not a signal that they're already needed.

Press release:

Effective Sunday, March 22, enforcement of overnight parking regulations in the City of Batavia were suspended until further notice. Overnight parking will be allowed to accommodate families and residents impacted by COVID-19.

We encourage residents who can still use their driveways for parking to do so, however we do not want to penalize families that might have extra vehicles at their residence at this time.

Please continue to lock your vehicle and always remove valuables to prevent theft.

In the event of an emergency, or your vehicle is blocking work for the Department of Public Works (i.e. snowplowing, water main break, etc.), you will be asked to move the vehicle or it may be towed.

All other parking regulations such as blocking a fire hydrant, parking in a fire lane or parking in a handicap zone will be strictly enforced. 

Also effective Sunday, March 22, City of Batavia Police officers will not provide courtesy unlock of vehicles, unless there are exigent circumstances such as a child or pet locked inside. 

Furthermore, Batavia Police officers will begin to take enhanced extra precautions when responding to calls for service. 

Callers to dispatch will need to answer screening questions to better aid in appropriate response from emergency personnel. City of Batavia Police Officers and other emergency personnel may wear respirator masks, protective gloves, clear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment when answering calls. 

These measures will ensure the safety of the community and first responders so that they can continue to serve residents in the best capacity possible.

Anyone with signs or symptoms consistent with the CDC guidelines for coronavirus should inform dispatchers, officers, and emergency personnel as soon as practicable.  

If you have any questions about these measures please feel free to contact Police Chief Shawn Heubusch at sheubusch@batavianewyork.com.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we all work together to keep Batavia safe.

Public Notice

State of Emergency Declaration

A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Village of Alexander, NY, effective today, March 24, 2020.

This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County related to the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus.

This situation threatens the public safety.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent Order.

As the Chief Executive of the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, William Wagner, exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.

I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Village of Alexander to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.

Local Emergency Order

William Wagner, Village of Alexander Mayor, hereby declares a State of Emergency on March 24, 2020 and issues an Emergency Order, effective on March 24, 2020 beginning at 1 p.m.

I, William Wagner, the Chief Executive of the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York, in accordance with a declaration of a State of Emergency issued on March 24, 2020, and pursuant to Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, do hereby order:

The closing of Village Hall and the Department of Public Works to the public to protect against COVID‑19.

This Order shall took effect March 24, 2020 at 1 p.m. and shall remain in effect for five days unless rescinded earlier by order of the Chief Executive.

This Order may also be renewed in five-day increments.

Failure to obey this Order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B.

Signed this 24th day of March, 2020 at 1 o'clock p.m., in the Village of Alexander, County of Genesee, State of New York.

William Wagner

Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

Village of Alexander

A tanker carrying liquid fertilizer has leaked about a thousand gallons of liquid fertilizer by the Circular Hill Road railroad crossing in Le Roy (not sure if it's from a railroad tank car or a truck tanker). Le Roy fire and ambulance service are dispatched. No word on how or why the leak occurred.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m. (By Howard): Le Roy Fire Chief Tom Wood said about 13,000 gallons of fertilizer spilled. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Genesee County Emergency Management also responded. The location is a transfer station and employees were operating a valve when there was a leak and fertilizer got on them. They shut off the valve and left to wash and change and when they returned, they discovered the valve had failed, causing the leak. Heavy equipment is on scene now beginning remediation.The spill area is about 50 yards wide and the soil will need to be removed and taken to a remediation site.

Press release:

The New York State Elections Commissioners’ Association is calling for immediate action by the Governor and New York State Legislature to protect our electoral process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Election Boards throughout the state are risking personnel safety and health to prepare for impending elections on April 28, 2020. We are facing critical shortages of inspectors and polling places due to the ongoing public health crisis.

Over the next week, BOEs will find it almost impossible to meet mission critical deadlines for testing machines and preparing ballots because of staff shortages due to the ongoing stay-at-home order.

We ask Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and NYS Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to consider the following items by either Executive Order or Legislative action:

1.) Postponing the Democratic Presidential Primary scheduled for April 28^th to June 23^rd. Fielding inspectors in the midst of this health crisis is dangerous and may be impossible. Traditional polling places may be unusable as they are currently restricted or closed to the public. Postponing until June will not only give us time to plan, but will ease the burdens on host counties budgets that are devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.

2.) Amend 8-400 of NYS Election Law to allow for Absentee Balloting during all times of declared state of emergency due to infectious disease or pandemic. This will allow all voters who are at-risk but perhaps not yet sick to apply for and receive an absentee ballot. At risk or vulnerable citizens should not have to make decisions on whether to exercise their right to vote or risk their health.

3.) For all Primary & Special Elections: Give wide latitude to the local Board of Elections to consolidate polling places and election districts to best operate the election. While we hope the COVID 19 crisis will be better by June, it is quite likely we will have limited numbers of polling places and inspectors even then. We need this flexibility to adjust to circumstances on the ground in our jurisdictions that may be changing right up until the June 23^rd Election.

Acting on these items will buy us precious time and save our host counties significant amount of resources while also preserving the rights of voters and safety and health of Election Workers. Every day that we do not act makes us less prepared and wastes valuable time and money.

Author Rob Thompson has made his book "Swinging in the Rain," about death penalty cases in Genesee County available to readers of The Batavian as a free PDF download. The video is from November when we interviewed Rob about the book.

BHS photo: Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., Principal Paul Kesler (center), Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius.

Submitted photos and press release:

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Batavia High staff and administrators were determined that the traditional 100 Days to Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 would be honored, despite the school closure. The only way to do this -- while still following the safe guidelines that have been established to prevent the spread of COVID-19 -- was online.

After getting the word out through emails and social media, BHS Principal Paul Kesler, Assistant Principal Nate Korzelius and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Molly Corey, Ed.D., “met” the seniors in the video-conferencing app Google Meet on Friday morning, March 20.

There, all students had the capability to see the administrators as well as their friends onscreen, post comments, and watch as Kesler announced the local business donors and their gift cards; Corey drew names of lucky seniors; and Korzelius kept track of the prizewinners on a board in the BHS conference room.

Each prizewinner, as announced, was also invited to temporarily unmute their log-in so they could bask in “their moment” while classmates and other staff who had logged in could offer congratulations (as well as offers to help them spend the card).

Seniors had also been invited to compete to create the best meme and emailing it to Kesler. After an intense off-screen discussion between Kesler and Korzelius, Brock Every was chosen as the winner for his “wanted” poster. 

There were more than 50 gift cards in the giveaway, and all prizewinners were able to drive through the BHS loop that day to pick up theirs, or have them mailed to them.

More than 100 people, including some teachers, signed in for the online celebration. Kesler assured the students that this 100 Day event was not intended to replace a “live” celebration, and that, once school resumes, an additional ceremony, breakfast, and prize giveaway will be planned.

Press release:

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers to thank the healthcare workers and other professionals who are doing 'God's work' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Cuomo: "Our health care workers, who are doing God's work. They are doing God's work. Can you imagine the nurses who leave their homes in the morning, who kiss their children goodbye, go to a hospital, put on gowns, deal with people who have the coronavirus? They're thinking all day long, 'oh, my God, I hope I don't get this. Oh my God, I hope I don't get this and bring it home to my children.' You want to talk about extraordinary individuals -- extraordinary.

"Most of us are in our home hunkered down, worried. They're worried and they're going out there every day despite their fear -- despite their fear. Overcoming their fear, and not for their family, they're doing it for your family. When you see them on the street, when you see them in a hospital, please, just say thank you and smile and say, 'I know what you're doing.' "

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is below:

"We've acquired everything on the market there is to acquire. We've had a full team purchasing from companies all across this globe, buying everything that can be purchased. And we're bringing that here to distribute to New York City, Long Island, Westchester because that is the greatest need. This number of supplies will take care of our immediate need. It does not take care of the need going forward three, four, five, six weeks. The burn rate on this equipment is very, very high. I can't find any more equipment. It's not a question of money. I don't care what you're willing to pay. You just can't find the equipment now, but this will take care of the immediate need.

"I don't want our health care workers, who are doing God's work. They are doing God's work. Can you imagine the nurses who leave their homes in the morning, who kiss their children goodbye, go to a hospital, put on gowns, deal with people who have the coronavirus? They're thinking all day long, 'oh, my God, I hope I don't get this. Oh my God, I hope I don't get this and bring it home to my children.' You want to talk about extraordinary individuals -- extraordinary. And it's the nurses and the doctors and the health care workers, it's the police officers who show up every day and go out there and walk into a situation that they don't even know what they're walking into. And it's the firefighters and it's the transportation workers, and it's the people who are running the grocery stores and the pharmacies and providing all those essential services. Most of us are in our home hunkered down, worried. They're worried and they're going out there every day despite their fear -- despite their fear. Overcoming their fear, and not for their family, they're doing it for your family. When you see them on the street, when you see them in a hospital, please, just say thank you and smile and say, 'I know what you're doing.' "

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center continues to take steps to further prepare to meet the needs of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic. This week, a series of tents will be installed outside the Emergency Department. With this, there will be changes in traffic patterns at the main campus at 127 North St.

If you are driving in the area, please plan for potential delays and drive with caution.

Access to the hospital and offices via Summit Street will be restricted to ambulances only. All other hospital traffic will be directed to the main entrance or Chandler Avenue.

Our main entrance -- 127 North St. -- continues to provide access for patients and permitted visitors to the following departments:

Press release:

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today (March 24) regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald J. Trump’s Proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers:

“Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world," Secretary Perdue said. "Now more than ever it’s important that the American people not forget that. Our farmers are resilient, and during these uncertain times they are still working, day in and day out, to produce what’s needed for our growing population.

"Today, on National Ag Day, I challenge the American public to keep our farmers, ranchers and producers on their minds – for all their work to provide us a safe, healthy and abundant food supply. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

View U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's brief speech about today: