CAYCE — Rudy Mancke, distinguished lecturer in Natural History at the University of South and former host of ETV’s Nature Scence, presented Alma Harris, 4-H agent of Darlington County and Robin Currence, 4-H agent of Chester County with the National Farm-City Award during a recent Agriculture Council meeting held at the South Carolina Farm Bureau office, in Cayce. Both won awards for the best overall Farm-City Events. He also presented Beverly Connelly-Brown with the State Farm City Best Individual Youth Event, 4-H agent in Beaufort County.

Jason Caudill, 4-H agent, Oconee County and Carrie Caldwell, 4-H agent, McCormick County were also presented with a Farm-City State Recognition.

Karissa Ulmer, 4-H agents of Allendale County, spoke about the benefits of 4-H to South Carolina youth at this event, in recognition of South Carolina 4-H 100th year celebration.

Daniel Bozard was also on hand from the state 4-H staff. He presented participants with a special gift in honor of South Carolina 4-H 100th year celebration.

“Agriculture plays a crucial role in our economy by providing food, clothing, and jobs to people all over the world,” said Harris. “The purpose of Farm City Week is to help students appreciate and become more aware of agriculture and how important it is to the world.”

“Children have learned that our rural and urban communities working together have made the most of our rich agricultural resources, and they continue to contribute to the health and well-being of our people and to the strength of our economy,” said Currence.

National Farm-City Week originated in 1955 when farmers were facing financial hardships. The agricultural industry lost one million farms between 1950 and 1955. Net-farm income declined in 1955. Farm income was low, and farm costs, debts and property taxes were rising. Declining economic conditions yielded a poor public perception of struggling farmers.

Kiwanis recognized farmers were going through difficult times. The organization led the drive for a better image of agriculture. In 1955, they were joined by American Farm Bureau Federation in their beliefs.

“One of the big jobs farmers have is to do a good job of public relations,” said Charles Shuman, newly elected American Farm Bureau Federation president. “There is a need for increased cooperation between farms and cities. The National Farm-City Council realizes this need and is continually working toward strengthening the bond between farms and cities, through events such as National Farm-City Week.”