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 …
F3 Innovate: Powering the Central Valley’s AgTech Revolution
A Vision for Agriculture’s Next Chapter At the Reedley Ag Conference in California’s Central Valley, Priscilla Koepke, CEO of F3 Innovate, shared a bold vision for the region’s agricultural future. …
Van Groningen & Sons: A Century of California Farming
Generations of Growth: Van Groningen & Sons Uphold a Century of Farming Excellence in California’s Central Valley Rooted in Family, Built on Tradition In the heart of Manteca, California, Van …
Pumpkin Power and Precision Tech: California Agriculture Shines on AgNet News Hour
The October 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour celebrated two sides of California agriculture — tradition and technology — with guests Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons …
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 …
Verdant Robotics and Van Groningen & Sons Showcase Innovation and Tradition on AgNet News Hour
The October 17 edition of the AgNet News Hour celebrated both the future and heritage of California agriculture, featuring Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics, and Brian Van Groningen of …
Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and Early Trade
The First Crops in Plymouth Colony When the first settlers arrived in Plymouth, they planted barley and peas brought from England. But their most important crop soon became Indian corn, …
The Origins of Conveyor Grain Elevators in 19th Century America
Revolutionizing Grain Storage The 19th century was a period of rapid innovation in American agriculture, with one of the most transformative developments being the conveyor-type grain elevator. These mechanical marvels …
Native American Agriculture: Roots of U.S. Farming
Rethinking the “Pristine Wilderness” Myth When Europeans first arrived in the New World, many believed they had discovered untouched wilderness—vast forests, endless plains, and fertile river valleys waiting to be …
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
A Farmer and Leader in California Agriculture Don Cameron, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, is not only a prominent voice in policy but also a …
Henry A. Wallace: Father of Hybrid Corn
A Young Innovator in Iowa In 1904, a 16-year-old high school student in Iowa began experimenting with corn in the hopes of boosting crop yields. That student, Henry A. Wallace, …
Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor, and the Fight for California Farming
A Legacy in California Agriculture Joe Del Bosque, a well-known farmer from Firebaugh and Los Banos, has spent decades cultivating melons, almonds, tomatoes, and more on nearly 2,000 acres. His …
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
Carrying the Family Legacy In Tulare County, where agriculture and community are woven together, Joseph Bakker stands as the third generation in a long line of dairy farmers. His family …