Ohio’s Early Role in American Agriculture In the early 1800s, Ohio was widely considered the agricultural capital of the United States. As westward expansion pushed settlers beyond the Appalachian Mountains, …
Johnny Appleseed: John Chapman’s Legacy in American Agriculture
Early Life in Massachusetts John Chapman, famously known as Johnny Appleseed, holds a lasting place in American agricultural history. Born in September 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman grew up in a …
Colonists’ Livestock and the Transformation of Early American Land
Colonists and the Transformation of Early American Agriculture The arrival of European colonists in North America brought more than settlers—it introduced new agricultural practices that reshaped the land. While colonists …
New Mexico: A Surprising Leader in American Agriculture
New Mexico’s Agricultural Significance When most people think of top agricultural states in the U.S., New Mexico might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this southwestern state plays a vital …
Colonial Farming and Soil Stewardship: Lessons from Early America
In the early days of American colonization, settlers faced steep learning curves when it came to managing the land. Soil stewardship was not yet a science, and many early practices …
America’s Largest Barns: Icons of Agriculture
Barns have long been a symbol of America’s agricultural heritage. They vary widely in size, shape, and purpose, yet many still stand as enduring reminders of the nation’s farming past. …
The History of Corn Harvesting in American Agriculture: From Hand-Husked Fields to Mechanization
Hand-Harvesting Corn – A Labor-Intensive Tradition Corn has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, but harvesting it in the early 20th century was a labor-intensive challenge. Before tractors and …
The Cooper Barn: A Kansas Landmark of American Agricultural History
Barns have long stood at the center of American agriculture, symbolizing hard work, innovation, and the enduring spirit of farm families. As settlers pushed westward across the heartland, barns became …
Corn Shelling Bees: How Community and Early Technology Shaped American Agriculture
Corn’s Foundational Role in American Agriculture Corn has always played a central role in American agriculture, serving as a vital crop for both human consumption and livestock feed. From early …
How the Great Depression Transformed American Farmland
From Dust to Renewal: How the Great Depression Sparked U.S. Soil Conservation When the winds of the 1930s carried dust across America’s plains, it wasn’t just soil that disappeared—it was …
Corn Shelling Bees: How Early Americans Processed Corn by Hand
Corn Shelling Bees: A Cornerstone of Early American Agriculture Corn has played a vital role in American agriculture since the nation’s earliest days. Long before modern machinery transformed farming, corn …
National Corn Husking Association: Preserving the Tradition of Hand-Harvested Corn
A Tradition Born from Necessity From the 1920s to the 1940s, harvesting corn by hand was more than a skill—it was essential for farmers across the United States. Before modern …
Ohio State University: The Land-Grant Vision That Shaped Ohio’s Agricultural Legacy
Ohio State University, one of the nation’s leading public research universities, has its roots deeply embedded in agricultural and mechanical education. Founded in 1870, the university was established as a …
The Louisiana Purchase: How Thomas Jefferson Secured America’s Agricultural Future
Introduction: A Turning Point in American Agriculture In the early years of the United States, few decisions carried as much long-term impact as the Louisiana Purchase. While often remembered for …