…farmers and ranchers to hear what USDA programs are doing well and where improvements can be made. “We’re a farmer-first agency,” Fordyce said. “It’s important to be out talking to…
Cyrus McCormick’s Mechanical Reaper Changed American Agriculture
…Robert McCormick, was a successful farmer who owned a 532-acre farm in Virginia. The operation was remarkably self-sufficient for its time, reflecting the resourcefulness required of early American farmers. The…
Cyrus McCormick’s Reaper: The Invention That Changed American Farming
…farmers to invest in the new technology proved to be a significant challenge. At the time, many farmers found it less expensive to hire manual labor than purchase a machine….
California Pistachio Crop Could Be Cut in Half: Rich Kreps Explains What Growers Need to Know
…shared the example of a young minority farmer who has spent months waiting for government approval on a farm loan despite receiving approval from private lenders. According to Kreps, lengthy…
Land Grants Helped Build America’s Army and Agriculture
…know the exact size of every land grant, they are generally believed to have ranged from 20 to 30 acres. That amount was considered sufficient for a single farmer and…
How Irrigation Revolutionized American Farming
…pivot irrigation systems, the history of irrigation reflects farmers’ constant drive to improve crop production and adapt to challenging growing conditions. According to Mark Oppold’s American Agriculture History Minute, the…
Land O’Lakes Invests in Tulare to Meet Growing Demand for Dairy Protein
As consumer demand for nutritious dairy products continues to rise, Land O’Lakes is making a major investment in California’s dairy industry that will benefit farmers, strengthen processing capacity, and position…
Land O’Lakes Expands Tulare Facility to Meet Growing Demand for Dairy Protein
…international presence. Anfang noted that roughly half of the cooperative’s milk powder production is exported, creating additional opportunities for member dairy farmers. The cooperative currently represents approximately 1,100 dairy farmer…
Gloria Romero Outlines Vision for California Agriculture, Water, and the Golden State’s Future
…want common-sense government,” she explained. Agriculture Must Have a Stronger Voice Throughout the interview, agriculture remained a central topic. Papagni noted that California farmers continue battling burdensome regulations, increasing costs,…
California Winegrape Growers Fight for Fairness Amid Industry Challenges
…presence in the nation’s capital, Collins says nothing compares to hearing directly from the farmers themselves. This year’s delegation included nine California growers who met with lawmakers to discuss issues…
How Early American Farmers Built a Thriving Agricultural Economy
…for wheat, driving prices higher across European markets. Large American farmers who produced more grain than domestic markets required recognized an opportunity. Farmers like George Washington began exporting surplus wheat…
Elaine Culotti Talks California Politics, Agriculture, Water, and the Future With The Ag Meter
Elaine Culotti California entrepreneur, farmer, and former gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti joined Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” for an in-depth conversation covering everything from California agriculture and water policy to…
Elaine Culotti Says California Policy Will Shape Agriculture’s Future
On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, California farmer and former gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti discussed why she believes the state’s 2026 governor’s race could have lasting implications for…
How Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Revolutionized American Agriculture
…gin. What began as a simple conversation between a struggling farmer and a mechanically gifted college student ultimately changed the course of American agriculture forever. According to Mark Oppold’s American…