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, and we often take that for granted. As consumers, we enjoy the convenience of walking into the supermarket and choosing our family's meals from a huge selection.

It's easier to associate fresh vegetables, fruits, and milk directly with the farm, but we need to remember that the packaged, processed convenience foods have their origins on the farm too.

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 communication between all segments of the population is more important now than ever.

To help foster this communication, the annual Farm-City Banquet has been planned for Nov. 15.

Co-sponsored by the Butler Rotary, Butler County Conservation District, Penn State Cooperative Extension, and cooperating agricultural agencies, the dinner will be held at Butler County Community College's Convocation Center.

There will be refreshments beginning at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The evening's program will feature Susan Crowell, editor of "Farm and Dairy," a weekly newspaper that is widely distributed in the rural and suburban communities of Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Crowell will be discussing the role of the media in fostering the relationships between rural and urban communities.

The evening's program will be highlighted by the presentation of the Bullshipper Award. Presented annually, the award recognizes a member of the community that 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.

In addition, our 2004 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 banquet can be made at: The Butler County Extension Office, 724-287-4761, or stopping by the office in Building 10 on the Sunnyview grounds; the Butler County Conservation District, 724-284-5270, or stopping by the office in Building 8 on the Sunnyview grounds; or at the USDA Farm Service Agency, 724-282-4800, or stopping by their location along Route 68 west of Butler.

Cost per person is $15. Reservations, including the cost of the meal, are due by Nov. 10.

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