…because meaningful sediment removal has not occurred in decades. His concern isn’t limited to flooded farmland. Ring said breached levees could mix contaminants with floodwater and potentially disrupt the ability…
Philadelphia Society Helped Shape American Agriculture
America’s First Agricultural Organization Long before today’s agricultural associations, commodity boards, and farm organizations were established, American farmers and agricultural leaders were already working together to improve farming practices. According…
From Linseed Oil to ADM: The Unlikely Partnership That Built an Ag Giant
…small detail may seem insignificant, but it captures an important theme in American agricultural business history: successful enterprises have often been built not only on major innovations, but also on…
Stephen Babcock: The Test That Changed Dairy Farming
…of American dairy agriculture. Listen to More American Agriculture History Stephen Babcock’s contribution is one of many important stories that shaped American agriculture. His development of the Babcock Test illustrates…
Danny Bernstein: Ag Tech Could Help Save California Farms
…Bernstein believes farm jobs therefore need to become more technical and compelling. Modern agricultural jobs can involve machinery, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and automation. He cited American Farm Bureau figures…
John W. Tyson: From Missouri Farmer to Poultry Industry Pioneer
The Great Depression Creates an Opportunity The Great Depression brought severe economic hardship to rural American families, but for some entrepreneurs, difficult times also created opportunities. One such entrepreneur was…
Rancher’s First Initiative Targets Cattle Herd Rebuilding and Producer Stability
…expand disaster assistance on certain conservation acres, increase support for small and regional beef processors, and prioritize American beef in federal purchasing programs. New Insurance Option Addresses Heifer Retention A…
America’s Early Forest Management Begins in 1876
…example of how agriculture, natural resources, and government policy have been closely connected throughout American history. This history is presented by Mark Oppold as part of the American Agriculture History…
Ryan Jacobsen: California Ag’s Future Depends on Water
…approach that benefits agriculture, communities and the environment. Rising Costs and Growing Imports The economic pressure on growers is another major concern. Jacobsen cited American Farm Bureau figures showing that…
Ryan Jacobsen Part 2: Why California Agriculture Is Worth Fighting For
…farmers. Despite the many challenges discussed throughout the two-part interview, Jacobsen ended on an optimistic note. “I’m bullish on California agriculture. I’m bullish on the American farmer,” Jacobsen said. “We…
Henry A. Wallace and the Birth of Hybrid Corn
…with Mark Oppold. Henry A. Wallace and the Birth of Hybrid Corn American Agriculture History Minute Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute highlights the people, inventions and milestones that helped…
Smith-Lever Act Created USDA Extension Service in 1914
…American life. For farm families, Extension offered something that traditional higher education could not: access to agricultural knowledge without having to leave the farm and attend college. Extension Faces Its…
Cattle Groups Urge Trump to Reconsider Beef Import Proposal
…Groups Raise Market Concerns The American Farm Bureau Federation, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and U.S. Cattlemen’s Association sent a joint letter to the president opposing the proposal….
California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Water Challenges
…The future of California farmland is another major concern. High land prices, rising costs and regulatory challenges can make it increasingly difficult for young people to take over family farms….