…in the 18th century during what is commonly known as the British Agricultural Revolution. As Mark Oppold explains in this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, agriculture certainly existed long…
USDA: From Lincoln’s “People’s Department” to a Modern Agriculture Agency
…of agricultural and rural programs, including research, conservation, food and nutrition programs, agricultural markets, rural development and other services affecting farmers, consumers and rural communities. Lincoln’s “People’s Department” Legacy The…
Native American Agriculture Predates European Colonization
…History Minute, Mark Oppold examines the agricultural practices that existed before the arrival of European settlers and the important role Native peoples played in the early development of agriculture in…
USDA and the Birth of America’s Land-Grant Universities
…Minute, Mark Oppold looks back at the events that helped create a lasting connection between agriculture, education, research and rural communities. USDA Established in 1862 The U.S. Department of Agriculture…
Mid-1840s Iowa Farms: How Corn Created the Tall Corn State
…the simple family farms that dotted the Midwest during the 1840s. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights what a typical Iowa farm looked like…
How Immigrant Traditions Shaped Early American Agriculture
…edition of American Agriculture History Minute with Mark Oppold, highlights how German, Scottish, and Irish immigrants each contributed to the evolution of farming practices in early America. German Immigrants Brought…
Cyrus McCormick’s Reaper: The Invention That Changed American Farming
…willingness to persevere through years of setbacks helped transform American agriculture and laid the foundation for the modern farm equipment industry. According to today’s American Agriculture History Minute with Mark…
How Immigrant Farmers Shaped America’s Agricultural Communities
…shaping farming communities that still influence rural America today. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights how immigrant groups established distinct agricultural regions whose cultural…
Land Grants Helped Build America’s Army and Agriculture
…for independence. According to Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute, one unique solution connected military service directly to the nation’s agricultural future. Rather than offering a traditional cash enlistment bonus,…
How Irrigation Revolutionized American Farming
…pivot irrigation systems, the history of irrigation reflects farmers’ constant drive to improve crop production and adapt to challenging growing conditions. According to Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute, the…
The Three Revolutions That Transformed American Agriculture
…foundation for modern farming practices. In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights these three pivotal periods that reshaped American farming—from horse-powered equipment to genetic science….
How America’s First Turnpikes Helped Transform U.S. Agriculture
America’s First Toll Roads Opened New Markets for Farmers When most people think about American agriculture history, turnpike roads probably don’t come to mind. Yet these early transportation projects played…
Steel Lug Wheels to Rubber Tires: A Revolution in American Agriculture
…technology. A Lasting Impact on American Agriculture The success of rubber tires marked a turning point in agricultural mechanization. As Mark Oppold notes, “the rest is part of American agriculture…
Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of America’s Postal System
…connected rural communities, the postal system served as the backbone of communication across the young nation. During this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the origins of…