…COVID. That’s today’s American Agriculture History Minute. I’m Mark Oppold. Thanks for reading. I’ll see you next time. Sponsored Content Let’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On Dairy…
American Agriculture History Minute: Homestead Act of 1862
Act of May 20, 1862 (Homestead Act), Public Law 37-64 (12 STAT 392)-page 1 The U.S. National Archives, Public domain / via Wikimedia Commons image I’m Mark Oppold with an…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-23-25
…Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, shared insights on growing varieties like Clementines, Page Mandarins, and Tangos, and the challenges of pest control and weather conditions. They emphasized…
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-15-25
…were COVID-era funds, not intended for long-term use. Additionally, Rollins reiterated the administration’s support for ethanol and efforts to secure the border, which has reduced egg prices by 60%. The…
Ninth Annual “Feeding the Economy” Report Highlights Agriculture’s Impact on U.S. Economy
…the industry remains a vital force in national economic stability. According to the report, agriculture’s economic impact has grown nearly 25% since the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience amid supply chain…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 03-19-25
…programs non-essential, noting they were post-COVID initiatives. The hosts debated the administration’s focus on cutting government spending and potential corruption. They also highlighted the introduction of a new commodities program…
USDA Ends Local Foods for Schools Program
…the reason for ending the programs. “The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” a spokesperson said. Proposed spending cuts tied…
Softer Sales Prevailed in Ag Machinery
…with sales of Ag tractors dropping 3.1%, while sales of combines fell 82.9%. The Ag Tractor and Combine reports can be found on the AEM Market Share Statistics page. The U.S. report…
Farm Leaders Call for Stronger Farm Bill, Risk Management at Senate Ag Hearing
…and ranchers. Duvall emphasized that the economic landscape has shifted dramatically since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, citing inflation, rising production costs, and the lingering effects of COVID-19….
Smithfield CEO Confident in Growth, Downplays Industry Challenges
…Smithfield has worked to make its processing plants more attractive workplaces, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry. With President Donald Trump vowing widespread deportations, there is uncertainty about…
California Wildfires Also Affecting Agriculture
…For more information and for a listing of emergency livestock animal shelters, contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and/or visit the CDFA Facebook page. I’m Lori Boyer…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 01-13-25
…bird flu-related depopulation of flocks and compare the situation to the handling of COVID-19 in terms of personal health precautions. Lorrie interviews Ashley Johnson, Director of Food Policy at the…
USDA Works to Strengthen Food Supply Chain
DepositPhotos image The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to bolster the nation’s food supply chain in response to vulnerabilities revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny Lester Moffitt,…
Commodity Groups Advocate for Economic Assistance Amid Farm Bill Delays
…fertilizers, fuel, and other inputs, alongside weather-related disruptions that have impacted yields. Commodity-specific concerns are also driving the push for aid. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, groups representing corn,…




















