…agricultural institution, one that continues to support local farmers and provide fresh, high-quality products to communities across the nation. From Colonial Streets to Community Staples: The History of Farmers Markets…
USDA’s Fordyce: Policy, Pressure & Promise for Farmers
…these programs form the backbone of federal agricultural support—especially during uncertain times. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Explained A major highlight of the interview is the sweeping impact of the…
USDA’s Richard Fordyce Highlights Farm Bill Gains, Tax Relief, and Support for California Agriculture
…Fordyce acknowledged unique challenges, particularly around water, regulation, and labor, but stressed that federal programs are well-positioned to support the state’s highly diverse agricultural sector. “California is the most diverse…
From Hand Planting to Innovation: The Early History of Seed Planters
…such innovations became increasingly critical. Henry Blair: A Pioneer in Agricultural Innovation At the center of this early agricultural breakthrough is Henry Blair, an inventor credited with creating one of…
Ag Council President Highlights Regulatory Pressure, Plastics Policy, and Political Uncertainty for California Farmers
The AgNet News Hour continued its conversation with Agricultural Council of California President Emily Rooney, diving deeper into the growing regulatory challenges, political uncertainty, and real-world pressures facing farmers across…
The California Trail: A Pathway to Agricultural Expansion
…As highlighted by agricultural broadcaster Mark Oppold, this historic route helped shape the development of farming and settlement patterns across the western United States. Early Settlements Along the Missouri River…
California Agriculture Faces Policy Pressure, Weather Challenges, and Critical Election Year
…featured a detailed conversation with Emily Rooney, President of the Agricultural Council of California, who represents a wide range of farmer-owned businesses and cooperatives across the state. Rooney explained that…
International Harvester: A Legacy That Shaped American Agriculture
…Agricultural Giant “I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute…” The story of International Harvester is a powerful testament to innovation and industrial growth in the United States. Founded…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Policy, Pressure, and Opportunity
Emily Rooney California agriculture sits at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and global food production—and few understand that balance better than Emily Rooney, president of Agricultural Council of California. In…
California Governor Race and Trade Policy Highlight Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture
…USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, who outlined progress in improving global market conditions for American agriculture. Lindberg reported significant movement in reducing the U.S. agricultural…
America’s Westward Trails: More Than Just the Famous Routes
…in westward migration but also in shaping American agriculture. As settlers moved west, they brought farming practices, livestock, and innovation with them—laying the groundwork for agricultural development across the Plains…
California Governor Race Heats Up as Independent Candidate Pushes for Ag-Focused Reform
…agricultural priorities is expected to remain a central part of the conversation. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app. Listen to previous AgNet News Hour…
Popcorn Through the Ages: From Ancient Origins to American Staple
…hard economic times. For many struggling farmers, popcorn also became a lifeline. As traditional crops lost profitability, some agricultural families shifted to growing popcorn as a way to survive financially….
The Oregon Trail: A Defining Route in American Agriculture History
…to agricultural expansion. Settlers who traveled west established farms, ranches, and communities, particularly in the fertile Willamette Valley, helping to lay the foundation for America’s agricultural growth. Conclusion As Mark…























