Kansas Agri-Women spearheaded "Symbols of Agriculture" with the goal of promoting the many different areas of our industry, agriculture. The "symbols" are eight foot by eight foot signs along major Kansas highways. Since eight by eight hardly constitutes billboard size, the word "symbols" seemed more appropriate. Thus the "Symbols of Agriculture" project was born.

These "symbols" are defined as "on premise" signs and must promote the activity on a particular piece of land. A dairy farm may promote dairy products, a poultry farm may promote chickens or eggs, a feedlot or cow-calf operations may promote beef, etc. The signs must be placed on private property - not state owned land.

Since the 1978 beginning, the project has seen some changes. Most notable is the change in the grocery sack sign. This sign informs viewers of the number of people one farmer feeds. In 1978, 1 Kansas farmer fed 55 plus you. In 1999, the last reporting year, 1 Kansas farmer fed 128 plus you. These statistics have been provided by either the USDA or the Kansas Statistical Service.

It takes manpower and money to erect, maintain and pay for a sign. Many Kansas agricultural associations and individual farm families have collaborated to bring these "symbols" to our Kansas highways. If you or your organization is interested in cosponsoring a Symbol of Agriculture please contact Kansas Agri-Women.

Please look for these symbols as you travel the highways of Kansas and take pride in your industry and its accomplishments.