…to the Civil War. Everyday Life on Small Farms While plantations symbolized the wealth of the South, most American farms during this era were small, family-run operations. These families cultivated…
From Barley to Cotton: How America’s Early Crops Shaped Agriculture
…expansion across the colonies. The Rise of Plantation Agriculture As settlements grew and the colonies expanded southward, larger farms and plantations began to define the agricultural landscape. In Virginia and…
Ethnic Roots of Early American Agriculture
…clearing and cultivating new land. Germans also emphasized family-centered farming. Their goal was to keep farms in the family for generations, ensuring that agricultural knowledge and property were passed down…
Edward Ring on California’s Water Crisis: Fixing a Broken System
…of Two Regions: Water Rich and Water Poor The disparity between northern and southern California is glaring. As AgMeter pointed out, farms in areas like Manteca and Ripon enjoy steady…
Nanette Simonian: Championing California Agriculture & Women in Ag
…decision-makers in coastal regions in charge of issues affecting farms on the East Hills—areas with very different agricultural concerns. Nanette emphasized that Proposition 50 is a California-specific issue and unrelated…
Westward Expansion: The Harsh Beginnings of America’s Frontier Farmers
…westward expansion is one of grit, resourcefulness, and transformation. These early settlers—often overlooked in broader American history—were the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their willingness to endure hardship made possible the…
Let’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On Dairy Animals – Matt Ramsey
…of their farms. Matt Ramsey is the Livestock Services Manager with Purina Animal Nutrition and Land O’Lakes, Inc. Risk Management. He talks with Pam Jahnke about why this team was…
Farming the Frontier: How Early Settlers Built America
…built livelihoods centered on self-reliance and hard work. Building Self-Sufficient Farms Early frontier farmers planted crops that sustained both their families and their livestock. Most farms were small and diversified,…
Building the Future of Ag Tech: Danny Bernstein and The Reservoir at FIRA 2025
…Year of Growth and Real-World Expansion Only a year after its launch, The Reservoir is already expanding its footprint. Bernstein announced that the company will soon operate on three farms…
Merced College Dean Cody Jacobson Champions the Future of California Ag Education
…farms more than 100 acres of almonds in La Grande, told listeners that real-world experience shapes everything he does as an educator. “I’m a farmer first,” he said. “That’s why…
How Draft Horses Powered American Farming
Amish farmer plowing field with draft horses. Photo by Brad Weaver on Unsplash Before the mid-1800s, American farms depended on horses and oxen to provide the muscle for plowing, hauling,…
Ecorobotix, AgTech Grants, and Hannah Johnson’s Push for California’s Future
…cut input costs, labor needs, and environmental impact all at once. Ecorobotix recently raised $150 million in funding to expand its U.S. operations and announced plans to begin assembling products in America…
California Farmers Confront Global Competition and Retail Pressure on AgNet News Hour
…updates on the Argentine beef dispute. The hosts replayed comments from Ethan Lane of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who discussed concerns that Argentine imports could drive down U.S. cattle…
Building the Future of Farming: Insights from UC ANR’s Gabe Youtsey at FIRA USA 2025
…years of talking to producers across California, the U.S., and beyond. He points to a troubling trend: the U.S. has become a net importer of food for the first time…