…historically allowed farmers to move grain, livestock, and other commodities to broader markets. An Enduring Part of American Agriculture History While the Mississippi River often captures public attention, the Missouri…
Jamie Johansson Says 2026 Is a Turning Point for Northern California and Agriculture
…theme of the interview was predictability — something Johansson believes California has lost. Farmers face rising regulatory costs, soaring energy prices, and water uncertainty that make it nearly impossible to…
Michigan’s Rise: Mining, Farming & Autos (1855–1908)
…Great Lakes, dramatically improving trade efficiency and strengthening Michigan’s connection to national and international markets. Agriculture and Logging Take Root While mining dominated headlines, agriculture and logging emerged as equally…
California Agriculture’s Champions: John Duarte on Leadership, Policy & the Future
Screenshot California agriculture is at a pivotal moment. From water regulations and labor challenges to shifting political leadership in Sacramento, farmers and ranchers across the state are facing unprecedented uncertainty….
Edward Ring Says Energy Abundance Could Transform California’s Water and Agriculture Future
…and Water Policy at the California Policy Center. While earlier discussions focused heavily on water, this episode zeroed in on energy, oil production, electricity pricing, and California’s economic future, all…
Luther Burbank and the Potato That Changed Agriculture
…and enhanced the diversity of plants available to both farmers and consumers. The Potato That Changed American Agriculture While Burbank worked across many plant species, he is best known for…
Edward Ring: Dredging the Delta Could Unlock Millions of Acre-Feet for California
…only benefit agriculture and urban water users but could also help salmon migration by creating deeper, cooler channels that improve fish habitat. The conversation highlighted growing cooperation between Delta farmers,…
Leo Burnett and the Birth of the Jolly Green Giant
Mark Oppold with An American Agriculture History Minute highlights a surprising and influential chapter in U.S. agricultural and marketing history—one that connects food production, consumer tastes, and one of the…
Record Pistachio Crop, Global Demand, and California’s Water Reality
…pistachio harvest to global demand, water policy, and the future of California agriculture. Kreps, a board member of American Pistachio Growers and consultant with Ultra Gro, offered a candid, ground-level…
John Duarte Lays Out a Blueprint for Water Abundance as World Ag Expo Hits Full Swing
…future, immigration reform, and why abundance, not scarcity, should guide state policy. Duarte wasted no time challenging the idea that California lacks water. Instead, he argued the state suffers from…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
…Cutting Labor Nearly in Half By 1890, American farmers were increasingly adopting improved equipment that dramatically changed field operations. While producing 100 bushels of corn still required 2½ to 3…
World Ag Expo Week Begins as John Duarte Talks Almond Innovation, Water, and California’s Future
…conversations about water, policy, and the future of farming in the Golden State. Papagni opened the program from the road, reminding listeners that the first day of World Ag Expo…
Michigan’s Early Path to Statehood: From the Northwest Territory to Michigan Territory
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute, and the history of the state of Michigan is an interesting one. Long before Michigan became a state, its land passed…
California Walnuts Poised for Growth as Global Markets Align
…record, with excellent size and quality, ensuring ample supply for both domestic and international customers. Today, about 65% of California walnuts are exported, reinforcing the crop’s global importance. One of…