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 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.

Along with all segments of our community, the farming community also is dealing 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 communication 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 is planned for March 16 in conjunction with the observation of National Agriculture Week.

Co-sponsored by Butler Rotary Club, the Butler County Conservation District, Penn State Cooperative Extension, and cooperating agricultural agencies, the dinner will be held at the Butler County Community College's Founders Hall. There will be light refreshments beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The program will focus on one of our favorite desserts — ice cream. Penn State Creamery manager Tom Palchak will be on hand to talk about "The History of the Penn State Creamery from 1865 to the Present."

It is an interesting history that begins in the days when Penn State was the "Farmer's College" to the recent creation of three flavors of ice cream for the presidential inauguration. And, yes, there will be Penn State Creamery ice cream for dessert.

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 also will 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, the 2008 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 located in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 724-287-4761; at the Butler County Conservation District Office located in Building 8 on the grounds of Sunnyview, 724-284-5270; at AgChoice Farm Credit located on Route 68 west of Butler, 724-482-2173; or at the USDA Farm Service Agency also located on Route 68 west of Butler, 724-482-4800.

Thanks to the generous support of the Butler Rotary, the cost per person is just $10. The deadline for purchasing tickets is March 6.

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 Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.