The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42…
California Farmers Under Pressure: Andrew Genasci Calls for Advocacy and Common-Sense Policy
California Farmers Under Pressure: California agriculture continues to face mounting challenges, and Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, says advocacy is more important than ever. Speaking on…
Role of Shorthorn Cattle in American Agricultural History
…pivotal moment in American livestock farming, laying the foundation for breed improvements that would shape the future of cattle farming in the country. Conclusion The Shorthorn breed’s contribution to early…
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton, executive director of the Kern County Farm Bureau, is taking on the dual challenge of advocating for California farmers while educating the broader community…
Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Chickens in American Agriculture
Photo by Kirsten Bühne/Pexels image Chickens: The Early Livestock Staple of Pioneer Farms Cattle and hogs are widely recognized today as major livestock staples on American farms and ranches. However,…
Farm Labor and Market Shifts: Today’s AgNet News Hour Highlights
Today’s AgNet News Hour takes a closer look at the latest issues shaping agriculture across California and the broader farm belt. From labor challenges to market dynamics, farmers and ranchers continue to…
Life on a Midwest Farm in the 1840s
…harsh winters and humid summers. Life on a Midwest Farm in the 1840s From One-Room Cabins to Multi-Room Farmhouses Many settlers who arrived in the Midwest came from the Eastern…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…labor to regulations and global trade, he provides a candid view of the challenges shaping the future of farming in the Golden State. Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in…
California Pistachio Harvest 2025: Insights from Richard Kreps
…on the Farm: Labor, Freight, and Pests Despite optimism, farmers face a long list of challenges. Labor shortages, freight disruptions, and California’s ongoing water crisis continue to weigh heavily on…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…CVC’s student body was 80% farming families, that number has dwindled due to the growing challenges facing California agriculture. Even so, local dairymen remain key supporters of the school. Farming…
California Farming Voices: Case Anker and Stan Nelson
…John Deere showroom in Madera. The episode features two in-depth interviews—first with dairy farmer Case Anker, then with Stan Nelson of Midland Tractor—offering a ground-level view of farming challenges and…
Fires to Food Security: Elaine Collotti Outlines Bold Plan for California Agriculture
…such as nannies, gardeners, and agricultural workers, bringing stability to both families and farms. SNAP Reform to Support Small Farmers One of Collotti’s most striking policy suggestions was redirecting SNAP…
Inside Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker
…Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker Baseball Dreams in a Farming Family While the Anker family is rooted in agriculture, they also have deep ties to athletics. Case’s son,…
Madera County Water Challenges Explained by Matt Angell
…Lack of transparent metering data left small growers vulnerable. Angell calls this situation a “travesty” and a threat to rural communities and family farming traditions. Efficiency in Almond Farming Angell…