…a more commercialized agricultural economy, where crops were grown not only for survival but also for trade and profit. From Subsistence to Trade Early settlers consumed most of what they…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…of the White House as the administration pushed a major agricultural bill through Congress. Having previously served on a trade advisory committee, Kester was no stranger to Washington, but this…
Ohio River: A Lifeline of American Agriculture
…14 states. This vast network ensures that the river remains a critical resource for agriculture, industry, and urban communities alike. In addition to its agricultural importance, the river serves as…
Iowa Farmer Unearths Rare Treasure from the 1850s
…into America’s agricultural and cultural past. Iowa Farmer Unearths Rare Treasure from the 1850s Coins with a Story The coins, remarkably well-preserved in near mint condition, are believed to have…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…water mismanagement, pointing out that despite political claims, restrictions have neither saved fish populations nor secured long-term agricultural productivity. Instead, water policy has created “a man-made dust bowl” that threatens…
John Duarte Shares Bold Nursery Innovations and Warns of Prop 50 Threat
…$32 billion agricultural trade deficit, he argued that relying on imports makes the U.S. vulnerable. “Working families are the ones paying the price,” Duarte said, noting that higher costs and…
Oregon Trail: How It Shaped American Agriculture
Photo by Dana Davis on Unsplash A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
Shannon Douglas California is one of the most diverse and productive agricultural states in the nation. From the vineyards of Napa to the citrus groves of the Central Valley, farms…
California Farm Bureau’s Shannon Douglas Tackles Prop 50, Farm Bill, and the Future of Farming
The September 26 edition of the AgNet News Hour closed out the week with one of the state’s most important agricultural voices. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Shannon…
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the…
Mike Harvey: Farming, Faith & Leading California’s Youth
…Harvey grew up surrounded by farming. His family operated a packing house, cold storage, and shipping facilities—covering every part of the agricultural process. “I worked in every single department of…
Colorado River: Lifeline of the American West
…its flow. A significant portion of this water is directed toward agricultural irrigation, supporting farms and ranches that feed not only the region but also the nation. Conclusion The Colorado…
Franklin King: Pioneer of Modern Organic Farming
…to 1902, Franklin King served as a professor of agricultural physics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. During his tenure, he not only taught the next generation of agriculturalists…
California Farmers Face Policy, Energy, and Innovation Challenges
…that the federal government is stepping up to support California’s farmers and oil industry. Federal alignment with growers may be the only path to ensuring California’s agricultural future. “No amount…






















