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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Boosts Agriculture and Energy Exports
New U.S.-Indonesia Trade Agreement Opens Doors for American Agriculture President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping trade agreement with Indonesia, marking a major milestone in strengthening economic ties between the …
Three Sisters: America’s Oldest Crop Collaboration
How Corn, Beans, and Squash Worked Together to Feed a Nation In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights one of the most enduring and ingenious agricultural systems brought …
Corn Plantings Rise, Soybeans and Cotton Fall in 2025
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2025 – The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its annual Acreage Report today, showing key shifts in U.S. crop planting for 2025. Corn continues to …
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 …