Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey comes from a “farm family” in Wilcox County.

She understands that it’s often “back-breaking” work to make a farm succeed.

She also understands that things have changed since her days on the farm.

“This isn’t granddaddy’s farm, “ she said with a smile. “These days farms have all sorts of automated machines. Farmers study statistics and analyze numbers. A farmer has to be well-versed in a lot of fields to be successful today.”

And she said Alabama farmers, and farmers across the nation, are succeeding.

In 1955, one farmer was able to feed 19 people.

Today, one farmer is able to feed 155 people.

Ivey credits the increase in production to better equipment and increased knowledge and technology, but also credited programs like Farm-City Week, which was created in 1955.

Farm-City Week was established to bring about a better understanding between rural and urban people by increasing their knowledge and appreciation of each other as partners in progress. Farm-City Week is celebrated each year beginning on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving and ending on Thanksgiving Day.

Ivey served as the keynote speaker for Butler County’s Farm-City Week Luncheon on Tuesday at Beeland Park.

“This year we’re celebrating 57 years of Farm-City Week, which is a way to bridge the gap between farm folks and city folks,” Ivey said. “It’s a good bridge and one that needs to continue.”

Ivey acknowledged the role of grocers, truckers, veterinarians and others in ensuring that the state and nation have an adequate food supply.

“There are a lot of folks that make this happen,” she said. “It’s a partnership between the farm folks and the city folks.”

This year’s theme for Farm-City Week is “Grown Safely. Extra Tasty.” The theme was chosen to help farmers counter some of the misinformation by showcasing the safety of our nation’s food supply and discussing how it impacts the security of our nation.

Butler County has been celebrating Farm-City Week since 1964. The Butler County Farmers Federation and The Greenville Kiwanis Club sponsored Tuesday’s program.

Along with delivering the address, Ivey also recognized Butler County Farmers Federation President Percy Thompson and Farm-City Week Chairman Richard Branum with proclamations.