The Morrill Act of 1862 and the Birth of Land-Grant Universities Land-grant universities have played a defining role in shaping American agriculture, research, and education. As Mark Oppold explains in …
Faith, Farming, and the Future: Dan Janzen at the Organic Growers Summit
Strengthening Rural America Through Fellowship and Science-Based Agriculture The Ag Meter broadcasted live from Monterey, California at the Organic Growers Summit, where a compelling conversation unfolded with Dan Janzen of …
Kansas State University: The First Morrill Act Land-Grant College and Its Civil War Origins
A Pioneering Beginning During the Civil War Kansas State University—originally named Kansas State Agricultural College—was formally established on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. As described in Mark Oppold’s American …
How Ohio State University Was Founded: The Land-Grant History Behind the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College
The Land-Grant Origins of Ohio State University: How a New College Was Chosen to Lead Ohio’s Future The founding of Ohio State University is a defining chapter in both Ohio’s …
How Iowa State University Began: The 1856 Origins of America’s First Agricultural College
A National Moment in Agricultural Advancement In the mid-1800s, agriculture was the driving force of American life, shaping communities, economies, and national expansion. Recognizing the importance of strengthening agricultural knowledge …
Inside Butte County Agriculture: Education, Community, and Critical Issues
A Conversation with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau A Morning at the Agribee The conversation opens with Ag Meter welcoming guest Colleen Cecil, Executive Director …
Land-Grant Universities: History & Native American Colleges
Expanding America’s Land-Grant Tradition Most land-grant universities Americans know today—such as Iowa State University and Kansas State University—trace their origins to the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. This legislation established …
Kansas State: America’s First Land-Grant University
A Civil War–Era Beginning Kansas State University—initially named Kansas State Agricultural College—was founded on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. Remarkably, its establishment occurred during the American Civil War, a …
The Global Reach of America’s Land-Grant Universities
Exploring an Often Overlooked Chapter of American Agriculture History Land-grant universities remain one of the most influential forces in American agricultural development, scientific advancement, and educational access. Their story begins …
How Iowa State University Began: A Farming Legacy
The Origins of Iowa State University: A Landmark in Agricultural Education In a recent American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlighted one of the most important milestones in U.S. agricultural …
Organic Growers Summit 2025 in Monterey: Technology, Education, and Sustainable Farming Innovations
Buffalo Bills Fandom Meets Agriculture In a lively discussion on the Ag Meter, Matt Jungman, Senior Director of Events for the upcoming Organic Growers Summit, shared insights not just about …
Fourth-Generation Farming in the South Valley: An Interview with Jason Giannelli
A Legacy Rooted in Bakersfield In the heart of California’s South Valley, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Jason Giannelli, a fourth-generation farmer from Bakersfield, carries forward a …
Celebrating California Agriculture: Education, Advocacy, and Community with Anna Genasci
Introducing Anna Genasci and the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau In a recent conversation on Ag Meter, we spoke with Anna Genasci, the Communications and Education Director for the Stanislaus County …
Anna Genasci Champions Ag Education and Community Pride in Stanislaus County
The November 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour brought an energetic, heartfelt conversation as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Anna Genasci, Communications and Education Director …






















