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…
Midland Tractor: John Deere Dealer Powering California Farmers with Innovation and Service
…conversation turned toward the broader struggles of California agriculture. Farmers’ Resilience and Independence Despite the many challenges facing California agriculture, Stan Nelson points out one constant: the resilience of farmers….
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…
History of Land-Grant Universities in U.S. Agriculture
…in developing agricultural research, teaching, and extension programs that continue to shape U.S. farming practices today. Not All Were Agricultural Schools While agriculture was the central focus for many land-grant…
Florida Citrus and Specialty Crops: Frank Giles on Challenges, Optimism, and Innovation
…watermelons—creates resilience. Giles emphasized that networking and shared innovation at the Expo help farmers across the Southeast and California learn from each other’s challenges. Labor and automation remain front and…
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…
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…solutions. Whether it’s North Dakota, the Pacific Northwest, California, or Arizona, Syngenta delivers targeted products to meet local challenges. California: Innovation Under Pressure California agriculture faces unique challenges as the…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…Nut Association and the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association. With decades of experience, Isom has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues facing California farmers. From water and…
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…
Custom Produce’s Growth Story: Ted Torosian
Custom Produce in Parlier, California, has grown from a door-to-door startup into one of the most respected names in the produce supply chain, and founder Ted Torosian says the company’s…


















