Mark Oppold with An American Agriculture History Minute highlights a surprising and influential chapter in U.S. agricultural and marketing history—one that connects food production, consumer tastes, and one of the …
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
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 …
How Minneapolis Mills Produced Nearly All of the Nation’s Flour
When people think about America’s agricultural powerhouses, Minnesota is not always the first state that comes to mind. Yet in 1915, Minnesota stood at the very center of the U.S. …
How Mechanization Transformed Corn Farming in America
A Snapshot of Agricultural Progress American agriculture has always been shaped by innovation, but few changes were as transformative as the mechanization of farming. In this American Agriculture History Minute, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …