As you sit down to enjoy your dinner, do you pause to think about the source of the food that you enjoy?

Probably not. Our nation and our community are fortunate to have an abundance of food available that we often take for granted.

As consumers, we enjoy the convenience of walking into the supermarket and choosing our family's meals from a huge selection of foods. It's easier to associate fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and milk directly with the farm, but we need to remember that the packaged, processed convenience foods have their origins on the farm.

The farming community deals with economic and environmental pressures on a daily basis, along with a number of factors over which they have no control.

Pennsylvania is a national leader in agricultural production, yet many residents don't know what is being produced in their own communities. The need for effective communications between all segments of the population is more important than ever.

To help foster communication between rural and urban communities, the annual Farm-City Banquet has been planned for Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Co-sponsored by Butler Rotary, Butler County Conservation District, Penn State Cooperative Extension and cooperating agricultural agencies, the dinner will be held at the Atrium, located on Route 422 west of Butler. There will be light refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

A local favorite, "Trapper John," will be the featured speaker. The evening's program will also be highlighted by the presentation of the "Bullshipper" Award.

Presented annually, the award recognizes a member of the community who has worked to promote good relations between the rural and urban communities.

The Butler County Conservation District will also be recognizing award winners for their efforts in promoting conservation and Penn State Cooperative Extension will present its annual report of program accomplishments.

In addition, our 2007 Butler County farm tour hosts will be recognized for their efforts in producing this year's successful educational activity promoting Butler County agriculture.

Reservations for the Farm-City dinner are required.

Tickets may be purchased from Butler Rotarians, at the Butler County Extension Office, Building 10, on the Sunnyview Home grounds, 724-287-4761; at the Butler County Conservation District office, Building 8 of the Sunnyview complex, 724-284-5270; or at the USDA Farm Service agency, Route 68, 724-482-4800.

Cost per person is $15. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Nov. 7.

All segments of our society need to work together to ensure a better quality of life for future generations. Farm-City activities present a unique opportunity for rural and urban residents to cement bonds of friendship and develop an appreciation for each other's way of life.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview complex.