DENVER (CBS4) – There was a big thanks at the Colorado State Capitol Tuesday and some great dishes were served to thank the state’s agriculture community.

Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia welcomed Colorado ranchers and farmers to the Capitol to celebrate Colorado Agriculture Day. The goal was to make sure people across the state know that agriculture contributes $40 billion to the state’s economy and is responsible for 173,000 jobs.

“We want to thank every Colorado farmer. We know that, if we look nationally, every American farmer feeds at least 144 other people,” Garcia said.

A group of chefs joined in the on the party, serving up dishes made with locally-grown and raised products.

The ag industry not only creates jobs and puts food on the plate, it also leads to new developments in technology.