…crops—especially specialty crops—was encouraging for producers who often feel overlooked. During a specialty crops session Douglas moderated, USDA, RMA, and NRCS officials discussed practical improvements to insurance and conservation programs….
Bonanza Farms: How Railroads Transformed Wheat Production in America
…increasingly advanced machinery. The goal was efficiency and volume—producing as much wheat as possible for expanding national and international markets. Overproduction and Falling Profits The success of bonanza farms eventually…
Inside the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim
…and national levels. A National “Family Reunion” for Agriculture One of the standout themes of the interview was the sense of unity. Despite agriculture’s diversity—from California specialty crops to Midwest…
Minnesota’s Wheat Breakthrough
…Nebraska and Kansas failed in the northern climate. The region’s colder temperatures, shorter growing season, and unique soil conditions required experimentation and adaptability from farmers striving to establish sustainable crops….
Ohio’s Early Agriculture: Corn, Wheat, and Tobacco
…was essential not only for feeding their families but also for preparing for the harsh winters ahead. Most farmers focused on raising wheat and corn, two crops that thrived in…
Ohio: America’s First Agricultural Capital
…expanding role in value-added agriculture. This marked an important shift, as farming regions increasingly supported processing facilities that could handle crops and livestock locally rather than shipping them long distances….
George Zhuang on Raisins, Innovation, and Fresno Grapes
…farming projects focused on soil health, cover crops, and sustainable pest management. For Zhuang, raisins remain the heart of Fresno County agriculture. The challenge—and opportunity—lies in blending tradition with innovation…
New Mexico: A Surprising Leader in American Agriculture
…country, competing with traditional leaders like Georgia and Texas. Diverse Farming Operations New Mexico’s agriculture extends far beyond pecans. The state boasts a wide array of crops and livestock, including…
Colonial Farming and Soil Stewardship: Lessons from Early America
…science, and many early practices unintentionally harmed the environment. How Livestock Practices Contributed to Land Degradation Colonial farmers frequently cleared forests to make room for crops and grazing. Livestock such…
America’s Largest Barns: Icons of Agriculture
…of the nation’s farming past. From working barns that once stored crops and housed livestock to architectural marvels built for display, barns tell the story of American agriculture in both…
The Cooper Barn: A Kansas Landmark of American Agricultural History
…across the heartland, barns became essential structures on family farms—housing livestock, protecting crops, and anchoring daily agricultural life. One barn in particular stands out for its remarkable size and historical…
California FFA: Growing the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
…in Buena Park, provide hands-on experiences with livestock and crops. Otto emphasizes, “Many students didn’t realize agriculture could be part of their future until they joined FFA.” Students also gain…
Corn Shelling Bees: How Early Americans Processed Corn by Hand
…modern machinery transformed farming, corn was processed entirely by hand, making it one of the most labor-intensive crops on early American farms. This simple grain supported not only families and…
National Corn Husking Association: Preserving the Tradition of Hand-Harvested Corn
…the United States. Before modern machinery, families relied on hand-harvesting techniques to gather one of the nation’s most important crops. This labor-intensive process required not only endurance and speed but…