Agriculture in Washington D.C.

By Amanda Clymer, US Grains Council Intern

An agriculture quote in the U.S. Capitol. 

As my summer continues in Washington D.C. with the U.S. Grains Council I have had the opportunity to explore further the true impact agriculture has had not only on the United States, but around the world. The Global Programs department, where I have been assisting this summer, has been working throughout June to plan for international trade teams visiting the United States, overseas trade promotion missions and technical consultants traveling overseas.

In the past month, as a part of the Council’s demand building program, three international teams traveled to Midwest to learn about modern swine management techniques in the United States. International teams visited places such as the World Pork Expo, land-grant universities, farms, grain elevators, and export facilities. Recent overseas missions have included corn producers traveling to Japan and Korea to discuss quality and crop progress with major importers and end-users. A trip to Cuba also recently occurred where ag leaders had the opportunity to explore the market development and potential for U.S. coarse grains and co-products in the island nation. Alan Tiemann, a Nebraska corn producer and USGC vice chairman, was one ag leader participating in the mission.  All of these programs are examples of how the people of U.S. agriculture are educating, influencing and impacting other countries and the work their people do to feed the world.

Also while living in Washington D.C. I have taken in many of the sights that the nation’s capital has to offer. I have noticed agriculture in many different locations throughout town that shows me that agriculture has a place in our country’s history. Below are just some pictures of where I have spotted agriculture in Washington D.C. 

A small bronze mural at the World War II Memorial.

Even cattle have a place at the National Portrait Gallery.

The U.S. Botanical Garden has a few corn plants outside that I will be scouting throughout the summer.

I am excited to visit a new exhibit at the National Museum of American History titled the American Enterprise. Part of the exhibit focuses on the innovations in agriculture. The displays include a Fordson tractor, the iconic blue corduroy FFA jacket, information about GM technology development and an interactive modern tractor cab that includes the steering wheel, guidance controls, and yield monitors. More information about the agriculture portion of the exhibit is featured in this article.