Labor, Land, and Innovation: How 19th-Century Farming Became More Efficient American agriculture in the 19th century underwent a profound transformation as new tools and techniques reshaped how crops were planted, …
When American Farming Shifted From Hand Power to Horsepower
From Hand Labor to Heavy Work: Early American Farming Agricultural production in the United States continued to expand in the early 1800s, but farming remained an intensely labor-driven endeavor. Despite …
Joseph Dart and the Invention That Revolutionized Grain Shipping
Joseph Dart: A Pioneer in American Agriculture Joseph Dart, though born in Connecticut, left a lasting mark on American agriculture after moving to Buffalo, New York. Dart is best remembered …
Ohio’s Early Agriculture: Corn, Wheat, and Tobacco
Settling Ohio After the Appalachian Crossing Once early American settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains, many chose to stop rather than continue westward. After enduring difficult and often dangerous travel, these …
From Barley to Cotton: How America’s Early Crops Shaped Agriculture
The Roots of American Farming In the early days of American settlement, the first colonists arriving in Plymouth Colony faced unfamiliar soil, weather, and challenges unlike anything they had known …
Post–Civil War Wheat Crash: How Farmers Turned to Corn and Livestock
The Civil War’s Wheat Boom During the Civil War, wheat became one of the most valuable crops in the United States. With soldiers and civilians alike needing bread and other …
First American Silo: How Fred Hatch Revolutionized Grain Storage in 1873
A Pioneering Moment in American Agriculture In 1873, Illinois farmer Fred Hatch built what is believed to be America’s first version of the modern silo. During this period, grain storage …
How the Cargill Brothers Built an Agricultural Empire in Iowa
The Birth of Cargill: From Iowa Grain Storage to Global Agribusiness Surplus Grain Sparks Innovation In the mid-1800s, America’s agricultural landscape was changing rapidly. As grain production soared, farmers across …
How Wheat Transformed Mid-Atlantic Farming Before the American Revolution
Early Colonial Agriculture and Trade Before 1720, most colonists in the mid-Atlantic region lived through small-scale farming operations that provided both sustenance and a modest income. These family farms were …
How Native Crops and European Grains Shaped U.S. Agriculture
The Crop Exchange That Built American Farming In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold revisits a pivotal moment in agricultural development—when cultures collided and crops crossed …
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 06-25-25
AgNet News Hour: Joel Allen Talks West Side Farming, Water, and Raising an NFL Quarterback Today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour dives into California’s pressing ag issues, with a …
Birth of the Rotary Corn Planter: A Milestone in Agricultural Innovation
American Agriculture History Minute: Deere and Mansour’s Breakthrough in the 1800s In the mid-1800s, the American agricultural industry faced a critical need: a more accurate corn planting solution. Rising to …
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 06-05-25
Don’t Miss Today’s AgNet News Hour: Protect Your Farm and Future Good morning, farmers and ag enthusiasts! The AgNet News Hour is here to keep you informed on the issues …
Concerns Voiced on Proposed Expansion of Futures Trading Hours
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has voiced concerns regarding a proposed expansion of futures trading hours to a 24/7 schedule. In a formal statement to the Commodity Futures …