…its value. This process became a pattern repeated across generations. A farmer would: Purchase inexpensive frontier land Clear timber and prepare fields Build a farmhouse and outbuildings Cultivate crops and…
Cannon Michael Highlights Farming Challenges; USDA’s Luke Lindberg Talks Trade Gains
…Los Banos and Merced, producing a wide range of crops including tomatoes, melons, cotton, carrots, garlic, onions, almonds, pistachios, and specialty herbs. While diversification has helped the company remain competitive,…
Six Generations of Farming: Cannon Michael on Water, Innovation, and the Future of California Agriculture
…Flyway for migrating birds. From Three Crops to Major Diversification When Michael assumed leadership of the farm in 2014, Bowles Farming Company focused primarily on three crops: alfalfa, barley, and…
Cannon Michael Warns West Side Farmers Face Major Challenges with 15% Water Allocation
…the business, which traces its roots back to the historic Miller & Lux cattle enterprise of the mid-1800s. Today, the operation farms roughly 11,000 acres of diverse crops, including tomatoes,…
Fertilizer: The Overlooked Revolution in American Agriculture
…crops were planted, harvested, and processed. But high on that list — and one that many times slips by our memories — is something far less mechanical, yet just as…
640 Acres and a Fresh Start: Early Tennessee Land Grants
…The land was abundant — but it demanded hard labor before it could produce. Survival Before Crops It was not an easy road. Before thinking about planting crops, early settlers…
Sharing Knowledge on the Frontier: Early Agricultural Extension in America
Early American settlers faced a unique challenge: producing enough food and cash crops in unfamiliar lands with limited resources. In the absence of modern communications, these pioneers relied heavily on…
Missouri’s Mule Legacy in American Agriculture
…By raising mules alongside other crops and livestock, farmers diversified their operations and strengthened their financial stability. Horses Still Ruled the Farm Despite Missouri’s strong mule reputation, horses remained the…
Missouri’s Deep Agricultural Roots: From French Settlers to Today
…Ceres atop the Capitol dome reflects Missouri’s deep agricultural roots. As the goddess of crops and fertility, Ceres symbolizes the central role farming has played in shaping the state’s development…
From Backyard Prototype to Global Ag Tech: Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder Revolution
…Mikesell identified a critical challenge: weed control. Traditional methods rely heavily on herbicides and manual labor, which can harm crops, farmers, and the environment. Carbon Robotics’ solution? The LaserWeeder, an…
From Fresno Legend to Propane Pioneer: Lance Shebelut on Farming Smarter
…crops can’t afford to lose water. Rebates and Incentives Sweeten the Deal Beyond operational savings, propane comes with significant incentives. Rebates are based on engine size — roughly $600 per…
Fighting for Family Farms: Stephanie Moreda-Arend on Point Reyes’ Future
…noted, and these narratives often shape public opinion. “Manure isn’t waste—it’s the foundation for organic soil and healthy crops,” Stephanie explained. The Human Cost: Families and Communities Every farm lost…
St. Louis: Gateway to America’s Agricultural Expansion
…to gain importance. But riverboat traffic still dominated transportation and commerce. Steamboats moved crops, livestock, timber, and supplies through America’s vast inland waterways — and St. Louis flourished as the…
Don’t Cut Fertility After a Tough Year
…Rogers explained that fertility decisions made this season directly impact next year’s crop. Permanent crops such as almonds, pistachios, and other tree nuts begin determining future bud development well before…