…shape. Popcorn Arrives in the United States Popcorn made its way into American markets in the 19th century. Corn kernels were first sold on the East Coast of the United…
Sweet Beginnings: How Candy Grew from American Agriculture
…so on the backs of hardworking farm families who cultivated the land and produced the food that sustained communities. But agriculture’s impact extended beyond feeding the population. Crops like corn…
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
…early American agriculture—specifically, the challenge of harvesting corn. Growing corn has long been a cornerstone of American farming, but historically, harvesting it was an entirely different story. Before modern machinery…
Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk
…Funk can still be seen in modern seed technology and hybrid crop development—cornerstones of global food production. Livestock Legacy to Corn Innovation: The Story of Eugene Funk Sponsored Content CIR…
From Gold Rush to Green Fields: The Agricultural Roots of Colorado
…were cultivating what is commonly known as the “Three Sisters”—corn, soybeans, and squash. This companion planting method was not only sustainable but highly efficient, with each crop supporting the growth…
Early Agricultural Experiments in Kansas: A Government-Led Effort
…the cultivation of corn. These communities possessed valuable knowledge about the land, climate, and growing conditions—knowledge that had sustained them for generations. The U.S. government saw an opportunity to build…
From Failed Crops to the Wheat State: Early Kansas Agriculture
…or from their home countries, hoping to recreate the crops and farming systems they already knew. Many of these early settlers planted corn, which was a familiar staple crop throughout…
Colonial Fur Trade and Wheat Demand Shaped Early American Farming
…flaxseed and corn. Flaxseed was an important agricultural commodity because it could be processed into linen and other textiles. Meanwhile, corn remained a versatile staple used for food, animal feed,…
Cannon Michael Highlights Farming Challenges; USDA’s Luke Lindberg Talks Trade Gains
…growing across several sectors, including dairy, ethanol, and corn, while new trade frameworks with multiple countries are opening additional opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. He noted that global demand…
Six Generations of Farming: Cannon Michael on Water, Innovation, and the Future of California Agriculture
…honeydews Sweet corn Herbs such as cilantro, basil, and oregano Extra-long staple cotton Almonds and pistachios Specialty wheat grown for artisan sourdough bakeries run by his sister in the Bay…
Leo Burnett and the Birth of the Jolly Green Giant
…while yellow corn was largely considered livestock feed, primarily used for horses rather than for human consumption. Changing Consumer Perception of Corn The introduction of golden cream style corn marked…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
…estimated that producing 100 bushels of corn required between 75 and 90 labor hours. That level of production typically came from 2½ to 3 acres of corn, reflecting both modest…
When American Farming Shifted From Hand Power to Horsepower
…corn, requiring 2½ to 3 acres of land. Most of this work depended on hand tools and basic animal assistance, making farming both time-consuming and physically demanding. A Transformational Era:…
How Mechanization Transformed Corn Farming in America
…In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold outlines how corn production efficiency evolved between 1850 and 1930—revealing how fewer labor hours and less land dramatically increased productivity. Corn Production…