…manual labor to plant crops—an approach that was time-consuming, physically demanding, and often inconsistent in seed placement. The introduction of seed planters marked a pivotal shift, transforming the way crops…
The California Trail: A Pathway to Agricultural Expansion
…As highlighted by agricultural broadcaster Mark Oppold, this historic route helped shape the development of farming and settlement patterns across the western United States. Early Settlements Along the Missouri River…
International Harvester: A Legacy That Shaped American Agriculture
…Agricultural Giant “I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute…” The story of International Harvester is a powerful testament to innovation and industrial growth in the United States. Founded…
America’s Westward Trails: More Than Just the Famous Routes
The Starting Point of Westward Expansion In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a familiar chapter in U.S. history—westward expansion—and adds important depth to the…
The Oregon Trail: A Defining Route in American Agriculture History
Trail crossing, Central Oregon, 1910 / Courtesy of Library of Congress Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the Oregon Trail as one of the most significant routes…
Jon Kinzenbaw: A Modern Pioneer in Agricultural Innovation
Introduction to an Agricultural Visionary Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute highlights the remarkable contributions of Jon Kinzenbaw—a man whose ingenuity helped reshape modern farming practices across North America. Born…
From Southeast Asia to U.S. Groves: The Journey of Citrus
…years and span continents, cultures, and trade routes. In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights the fascinating journey of citrus—from ancient beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of American…
World Ag Expo 2026: Inside the Success with Megan Lausten
Megan Lausten Marketing Manager for World Ag Expo The World Ag Expo continues to raise the bar for agricultural events worldwide—and in a recent interview with “The Ag Meter” host…
Clovis Rodeo and World Ag Expo Highlight Strength of Ag Community and Industry Events
…agriculture. Looking ahead, Lausten shared that 2027 will mark the 60th anniversary of World Ag Expo, with plans already underway to make the milestone event even more impactful. “We’re looking…
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
The Labor of Early Corn Harvesting Coming up on This Land of Ours, it’s the daily Ag History Minute. Mark Oppold brings us a glimpse into the demanding realities of…
Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk
The Roots of Agricultural Excellence Mark Oppold, in his American Agriculture History Minute, highlights the remarkable journey of Eugene Funk—a figure whose contributions helped shape modern corn production in the…
National Western Stock Show: A Legacy of American Agriculture
A Historic Beginning in Denver According to agricultural historian Mark Oppold, the National Western Stock Show in Denver first began in 1906, establishing itself as one of the most enduring…
Early Agricultural Experiments in Kansas: A Government-Led Effort
Expanding West After the Louisiana Purchase In the early 1820s, following the landmark Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the United States government began turning its attention toward agricultural development in the…
From Soldiers to Sodbusters: How Union Veterans Settled Kansas
…Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Sponsored Content CIR Agriculture Harvester Products March 1, 2026 Let’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On Dairy Animals – Matt…