The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42 …
Midland Tractor: John Deere Dealer Powering California Farmers with Innovation and Service
A Family Legacy in Madera At the heart of California’s Central Valley, Midland Tractor in Madera has been serving farmers for more than 40 years. For Stan Nelson, who has …
California Farmers Under Pressure: Andrew Genasci Calls for Advocacy and Common-Sense Policy
California Farmers Under Pressure: California agriculture continues to face mounting challenges, and Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, says advocacy is more important than ever. Speaking on …
History of Land-Grant Universities in U.S. Agriculture
The Origins of Land-Grant Universities in American Agriculture The Morrill Act of 1862 and Its Impact In 1862, the United States passed the First Morrill Act, a historic piece of …
Walnuts on the Rise: How to Defend a Promising Crop
In this episode of The Growing Edge, we connect with Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager at Valent U.S.A., to explore what could be a banner year for walnut growers, …
Florida Citrus and Specialty Crops: Frank Giles on Challenges, Optimism, and Innovation
Florida citrus and specialty crops remain a central focus of growers, industry leaders, and policymakers, with challenges such as citrus greening, hurricanes, labor shortages, and fluctuating markets shaping the future. …
Role of Shorthorn Cattle in American Agricultural History
Shorthorn Cattle and Early American Farms The holds a significant place in American agricultural history. As settlers pushed westward, Shorthorns became the most common cattle breed found on farms and …
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton, executive director of the Kern County Farm Bureau, is taking on the dual challenge of advocating for California farmers while educating the broader community …
Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Chickens in American Agriculture
Chickens: The Early Livestock Staple of Pioneer Farms Cattle and hogs are widely recognized today as major livestock staples on American farms and ranches. However, during the mid-1800s, it was …
Farm Labor and Market Shifts: Today’s AgNet News Hour Highlights
Today’s AgNet News Hour takes a closer look at the latest issues shaping agriculture across California and the broader farm belt. From labor challenges to market dynamics, farmers and ranchers continue to …
Life on a Midwest Farm in the 1840s
The Early Midwest Homestead In the 1840s Midwest, the average family farm covered about 100 acres—large enough to support crops, livestock, and a self-sustaining lifestyle. Homes were often handmade one-room …
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
A Lifetime in Agriculture Few names in agriculture carry the respect and legacy of Dale Nicol, AgriEdge Manager at Syngenta and a proud native of Wasco, California. With over 45 …
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
California Farming at a Crossroads: Roger Isom on Water, Labor, and the Future of Agriculture Leadership in Agriculture Roger Isom serves as President and CEO of both the Western Tree …
California Pistachio Harvest 2025: Insights from Richard Kreps
A Promising Pistachio Season Ahead California pistachio growers are preparing for what could be their largest harvest on record. According to Richard Kreps, Ultra Gro representative and Chairman of the …