…shape. Popcorn Arrives in the United States Popcorn made its way into American markets in the 19th century. Corn kernels were first sold on the East Coast of the United…
The Oregon Trail: A Defining Route in American Agriculture History
Trail crossing, Central Oregon, 1910 / Courtesy of Library of Congress Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the Oregon Trail as one of the most significant routes…
Jon Kinzenbaw: A Modern Pioneer in Agricultural Innovation
Introduction to an Agricultural Visionary Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute highlights the remarkable contributions of Jon Kinzenbaw—a man whose ingenuity helped reshape modern farming practices across North America. Born…
From Southeast Asia to U.S. Groves: The Journey of Citrus
…years and span continents, cultures, and trade routes. In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the fascinating journey of citrus—from ancient beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of American…
Sweet Beginnings: How Candy Grew from American Agriculture
From Fields to Flavor: Agriculture’s Hidden Role American agriculture is often defined by the expansion of row crops and livestock across a growing nation. As the country developed, it did…
America’s Historic Barns: Icons of Agricultural Innovation
…as a museum. Its sheer size and historical significance make it a standout example of early American farm architecture. Today, visitors can explore the barn and gain insight into the…
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
…early American agriculture—specifically, the challenge of harvesting corn. Growing corn has long been a cornerstone of American farming, but historically, harvesting it was an entirely different story. Before modern machinery…
Tulare County Farm Bureau Leader Reflects on Career, Agriculture Advocacy, and Industry Future
…of agriculture in one of the most productive regions in the country. With over one million acres of irrigated farmland and a dairy industry valued at more than $1 billion,…
From Dairy to Leadership: Inside Tulare County Agriculture
From the Heart of California Agriculture Tricia Stever Blattler Few places represent the strength and scale of American agriculture like Tulare County—and few voices capture it better than Tricia Stever…
Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk
The Roots of Agricultural Excellence Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the remarkable journey of Eugene Funk—a figure whose contributions helped shape modern corn production in the…
From Gold Rush to Green Fields: The Agricultural Roots of Colorado
Early Agriculture in Colorado: Before Statehood When early settlers first arrived in what is now the state of Colorado, they encountered established agricultural practices already in place. Native American communities…
Butler Manufacturing: From Water Tanks to Steel Buildings
…into one of the most influential manufacturing companies in American agricultural history. The Butler brothers combined ingenuity with practical farming needs, initially focusing their efforts on improving essential farm equipment….
Birth of the National Western Stock Show: A Legacy That Shaped American Agriculture
In the early 20th century, as the American West solidified its identity as the backbone of livestock production, a bold vision emerged—one that would unite ranchers, breeders, and agricultural leaders…
Pistachio Market Outlook Brightens as Global Tensions Shift Supply Dynamics
…ranking as the world’s second-largest pistachio producer, any disruption in that region could significantly benefit California growers. “Iran is the second-largest producer of pistachios, so it will help the American…