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 …
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 …
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 …
John Deere on Organic Farming, Automation & the Future of Agriculture
John Deere Highlights Organic Farming, Automation, and Future Trends at the Grower Summit The Monterey Grower Summit in California showcased the latest in agricultural innovation, bringing together growers, technology providers, …
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 …
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 …