…nation. He signed laws passed by Congress that both restricted certain aspects of slavery and simultaneously protected the institution. His presidency mirrored the national struggle with slavery—a balance between moral…
The Roots of 4-H: Jessie Shambaugh and the Birth of American Agricultural Youth
…an enduring emblem of learning, leadership, and agricultural pride. The Smith-Lever Act and National Recognition Just two years later, in 1914, the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, creating the…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
A Turning Point in Agricultural Education In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service—a transformative program that reshaped how Americans learned about farming,…
California’s Water Puzzle: Insights from Avid Water’s Cory Broad
…D.C. every year to meet with members of Congress,” Broad said. “We talk about the challenges we face and how policy can better support both farmers and urban water users.”…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…of the White House as the administration pushed a major agricultural bill through Congress. Having previously served on a trade advisory committee, Kester was no stranger to Washington, but this…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…led to initiatives like the Rural Roads and Markets Act and efforts to fund projects such as raising Shasta Dam. These were made possible through bipartisan cooperation, with local congressmen…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
Lorenzo Rios Introducing Lorenzo Rios Nick Papagni recently sat down with Lorenzo Rios, candidate for California’s Congressional District 21. Rios, who describes himself as a man deeply committed to this…
Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios Share Powerful Stories on AgNet News Hour
…has spent the last decade helping veterans transition into civilian life. Now, he’s seeking a seat in Congress to fight for farmers and small businesses in the Central Valley. “Congress…
Immigration Reform and Ag Labor: Manuel Cunha on the Dignity Act
…Ag Labor: Manuel Cunha on the Dignity Act What is the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393)? Manuel Cunha The Dignity Act, introduced by Congresswomen Salazar (R-FL) and Escobar (D-TX), is a…
The Roots of U.S. Forest Management
…Federal Oversight In 1876, Congress created an office within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically tasked with assessing the quality and condition of America’s forests. This marked the country’s…
The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities
…Agriculture Committee to further support agricultural policy. The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities Congress and the Land-Grant College Act That same year, Congress passed federal land grants to…
Marietta, Ohio: First Settlement of the Northwest Territory
…the agricultural future of the nation. The Northwest Territory: Birthplace of the Midwest Established by Congress, the Northwest Territory was the first incorporated territory of the United States. It encompassed…
Land for Service: How Revolutionary Soldiers Were Paid in Acres
…The result was a forward-thinking offer: land in exchange for military service. Congress Offers Land for Enlistment Recognizing the need for a stronger and more committed fighting force, Congress passed…
Proposition 12 Drives Up Pork Costs, NPPC Warns
…before the House Agriculture Committee to highlight the damaging effects of California’s Proposition 12. Speaking on behalf of the pork industry, the pair called on Congress to support committee chair…