Remembering D-Day: How farmers were called up to battle to help make the invasion possible and successful

D-Day was 78 years ago today, and we want to take a moment to highlight how farmers helped make that invasion a success.

155,000 soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, and those men were not just stocked with weapons, but also enough food to give them the energy to fight.

Historical experts say producers played a critical role in the mission’s success. Agriculture Department Historian, Anne Effland, says farmers were asked to boost production even under tough conditions.

“There were restrictions on the use of rubber and steel, which affected use of farm machinery.”

During the war, food supply was a major concern with many young farmers being drafted into the battle, but the country came together to make sure there was enough for everyone by rationing and creating victory gardens tended to by civilian women.

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Farmers were critical in the success of D-Day invasion