…the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for providing consistent support to the raisin industry across multiple administrations. Key programs include: School Lunch and Needy Persons Programs, which have long included…
Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and Early Trade
…Plantation Agriculture As colonies spread southward, farming evolved into larger plantation-style systems. Tobacco emerged as a dominant cash crop in Maryland and North Carolina. This shift marked the beginning of…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in signing a beef trade agreement with China. The experience gave him a first-hand view of the abundance and diversity of American agriculture. From small…
Kevin Kester on Cattle, Wolves, and the Fight to Keep Family Ranches Alive
…will be done,” he said grimly. Kester also spoke about his time at the White House, standing with President Trump and working on trade agreements, including opening markets for U.S.…
Ohio River: A Lifeline of American Agriculture
Introduction The Ohio River has played a crucial role in shaping American agriculture and commerce. Stretching nearly a thousand miles, this historic waterway has been central to trade, transportation, and…
Pistachios, Water & Trade: Kreps on Farming’s Future
…a stronger footing than before. A Business Approach to Agriculture Policy Kreps praised former President Trump’s business background, arguing that it brought a practical approach to agriculture and trade policy….
Iowa Farmer Unearths Rare Treasure from the 1850s
A Remarkable Discovery in Iowa Agriculture In March 2017, history surfaced in an Iowa farm field when farmer Robert Ellis made an extraordinary discovery. While plowing near the Missouri River,…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation When it comes to modern agriculture, few names carry as much influence as John Duarte, president of Duarte Nursery. Founded in 1989, Duarte Nursery has…
John Duarte Shares Bold Nursery Innovations and Warns of Prop 50 Threat
The September 29 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off the week with a deep dive into the future of California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat…
Oregon Trail: How It Shaped American Agriculture
…Shaped American Agriculture Crossing the Heart of the Nation The eastern portion of the Oregon Trail cut through what are now Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. As settlers journeyed westward, they…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…the classroom. Douglas highlights that parents often underestimate the scope of careers tied to agriculture. “You don’t have to be a farmer to be in agriculture,” she explained. “There are…
California Farm Bureau’s Shannon Douglas Tackles Prop 50, Farm Bill, and the Future of Farming
…proud “FFA mom,” shared her passion for youth in agriculture. She reminded listeners that FFA isn’t just for farm kids — it can spark careers in science, technology, and leadership…
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
…Grafton, Illinois. Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade Importance to Native Americans and Early Trade Before modern infrastructure, waterways were the lifeblood of transportation and trade. For Native…
California Trucking: Costs, Rules & Roadblocks
California Trucking Battles: Regulations, Costs, and the Future of Freight Freight at the Center of Agriculture Challenges In California, agriculture discussions often revolve around water and labor, but freight has…