…escalating tariff disputes that are jeopardizing the affordability and stability of fresh produce across the continent. Tariffs Threaten North American Produce Trade The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the…
Evolution of Irrigation in American Agriculture
The Roots of Irrigation In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold sheds light on the long and fascinating history of irrigating cropland. While modern systems are sophisticated and efficient,…
Federal Grant Fuels San Diego Port Upgrades
…the Port of San Diego is positioning itself as a key player in sustainable freight transportation along the West Coast. The M5 Coastal Connector and berth upgrades mark a significant…
Three Agricultural Revolutions That Transformed U.S. Farming
A Look Back: Key Turning Points in American Agriculture From horsepower to genetic engineering—three revolutions that redefined the American farm In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold reflects on…
Early Turnpikes Paved the Way for American Agriculture
…early turnpikes laid the foundation for future transportation infrastructure—eventually making it possible for American agriculture to expand westward and reach growing urban markets. These early roads mark a turning point…
How Early Colonists Sent Letters Before the U.S. Postal System
…the young nation. That’s today’s American Agriculture History Minute. I’m Mark Oppold. Sponsored Content Let’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On Dairy Animals – Matt Ramsey November 4,…
Benjamin Franklin and the Postal Roots of American Agriculture
The Founding of America’s Postal System and Its Role in Agriculture In this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold reflects on how early American infrastructure helped support agricultural…
How the Erie Canal Transformed Early Agricultural Trade
…natural obstacles, the Erie Canal enabled more efficient movement of agricultural products, boosting farm profitability and connecting rural communities to new markets. A Legacy of Innovation in Agriculture The Erie…
George Washington Helped Grow American Farming
…the foundation for U.S. agricultural trade. “Washington was among the first to export grain to Europe and the West Indies.” — Mark Oppold That’s today’s American Agriculture History Minute. By…
How George Washington Carver Revived Southern Agriculture
…health, crop rotation, and agricultural education. Conclusion As Mark Oppold noted in today’s American Agriculture History Minute, the agricultural revival of the South owes much to the vision and determination…
Canada’s Trade Moves Raise Concerns for U.S. Meat Exporters
…the dairy and poultry sectors. These programs control production levels and set pricing mechanisms to stabilize the Canadian market. Recently, Canada has sought to “safeguard” these systems by legislating guardrails…
Northwest Territory Opened New Frontiers for U.S. Agriculture
In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a foundational chapter in U.S. farming history: the settlement of the Northwest Territory—a move that paved the way for westward agricultural…
Legacy Barns: A Testament to 19th Century Midwest Farming
…historical markers of perseverance, expansion, and the American farming spirit. That’s today’s American Agriculture History Minute. I’m Mark Oppold. Sponsored Content Let’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On…
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Revolutionized American Agriculture
…a widow’s home where he overheard a guest—a frustrated Southern farmer—complain about the labor-intensive process of cleaning cotton. At the time, cotton had immense market potential but was difficult to…