Students at Fresno State are celebrating agriculture this week as part of National Ag Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact that farming and food production have on the Central Valley and across the country.

Though National Ag Week typically runs from March 15-21, the Fresno State Campus Calendar says the university is participating a week early.

After a week of events hosted by the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, festivities will wrap up on Thursday, and a #CelebrateAg event will take place at the Satellite Student Union.

The event will include a mechanical bull, a club fair and a visit from the Dutch Bros truck. 

For many students, the week is also a reminder of how closely agriculture is tied to the Central Valley.

“I think it’s very powerful to live in a community where a large majority of the working class contributes to the biggest industry in the nation,” said Campbell Rolston, a senior studying agricultural business. “Agriculture is in the backbone of America, and being a part of it is an honor.”

Others said their own background in agriculture makes the week especially meaningful.

“Agriculture is a huge part of my life,” said Grace Bors, a senior majoring in agricultural education. “I came from a rural town where we had nothing but agriculture. Coming to Fresno, I’ve seen how a big city and agriculture can mix together. I think it’s honestly beautiful that this town has embraced its roots of farming and agriculture.”

More information about the week’s events can be found on Instagram at @fsagambassadors.