…drought, and economic collapse. The “Dust Bowl” forced families off their land, leaving once-productive farms deserted. To restore these devastated areas, the government incorporated much of the abandoned farmland into…
Corn Shelling Bees: How Early Americans Processed Corn by Hand
…modern machinery transformed farming, corn was processed entirely by hand, making it one of the most labor-intensive crops on early American farms. This simple grain supported not only families and…
AgNet News Hour: Farming, Freight & Market Reality
…to stay afloat. The discussion also dives into water uncertainty, land conversion, generational farming pressures, and why automation must deliver immediate returns to work for family farms. One of the…
Alexandra Duarte Talks Water, Agriculture, and Rural California in State Senate District 4 Race
…serious concerns about the state’s implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), warning it could pit cities, farms, and counties against one another. Duarte pushed back against the idea…
The Louisiana Purchase: How Thomas Jefferson Secured America’s Agricultural Future
…Why New Orleans Mattered to America’s Farmers At the start of the 19th century, the Mississippi River was the lifeline of American commerce. Agricultural products from farms across the Midwest…
AgNet News Hour: Alexandra Duarte on California Agriculture, Water Policy, and the Future of Farming
…pressures, and automation. Duarte and the AgNet team highlight the need for ROI-focused solutions that help small farms remain competitive, while new technology and delivery trends are reshaping rural economies….
Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA on Coverage, Technology, and the Future of California Agriculture
…insight from someone who farms, tests products firsthand, and works directly with growers across California. From coverage and speed to automation and experience, Burkdoll offers lessons that apply across crops,…
The Westward Expansion of American Agriculture: Wheat, Corn, and the Rise of Dairy Farming
…for sale. This system made Midwest farms more efficient and resilient, especially during a time when transportation infrastructure lagged far behind agricultural growth. The close relationship between corn farming and…
Navigating Agriculture’s Crossroads: Insights from Nick Foglio
…Labor, Automation, and Rising Costs Labor remains a top pressure point. With California’s minimum wage increasing, more farms are turning to automation and mechanization. But Folio warns that growers must…
Faith, Farming, and the Future: Dan Janzen at the Organic Growers Summit
…fell, farms failed, and rural families experienced intense emotional strain. Dan shared that the organization began as a response to this crisis—creating a network where farmers could encourage one another…
John Deere on Organic Farming, Automation & the Future of Agriculture
…helps solve labor shortages and ensures consistent, high-quality results.” Autonomous technology also enables standardization across farms. “Every operator drives differently. Automation ensures tasks are performed exactly as prescribed, safely and…
The Future of California Agriculture: Water, Utilities, and Advocacy Insights from Roger Isom
…another pressing concern. PG&E’s proposed 27% electricity rate increase and restrictive NEM 3.0 solar policies are unsustainable for farms. “It doesn’t make sense to pay $0.50 a kilowatt-hour when a…
AgNet News Hour: Midweek Agriculture Insights & Industry Headlines
…encouraged listeners to share local Christmas light displays for on-air features. California Christmas Tree Farms Under Pressure The hosts explored the challenges facing Christmas tree growers across California and the…
Inside Butte County Agriculture: Education, Community, and Critical Issues
…another key initiative: the Farm City Celebration Agri-Business Bus Tour, held every November. Each year, 200 participants purchase tickets to spend four hours traveling to farms and ranches across the…