…of citrus took a major step forward during the Age of Exploration. Spanish explorers introduced citrus fruits to the Americas, planting seeds that would eventually grow into a thriving agricultural…
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…
From Water Challenges to Agave Innovation: The Woolf Farming Story
…local soils, climate, and terroir to produce distinctive agave-based products. However, the industry is still in its early stages. Growers want contracts before planting, while distillers want supply before committing—creating…
Agave Innovation on the West Side; Stuart Wolf and Family Look Toward Farming’s Future
…explained that early allocation decisions are critical because farmers must plan crops, financing, and planting schedules months in advance. One potential solution gaining attention is agave, a desert crop traditionally…
Cannon Michael Highlights Farming Challenges; USDA’s Luke Lindberg Talks Trade Gains
…be water availability. With early federal allocations announced at just 15 percent, many farmers are forced to make planting and financing decisions without knowing whether additional water will become available…
Cannon Michael Warns West Side Farmers Face Major Challenges with 15% Water Allocation
…securing crop financing, purchasing seed, and planning planting schedules. Without reliable water commitments, banks may hesitate to issue operating loans, leaving farmers unable to move forward with crops even if…
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
…or even months, could not provide timely advice on planting techniques, crop rotation, or pest management. Farmers had to depend on immediate, local guidance to keep their operations running efficiently….
Robert Thomas and the Birth of the Farmer’s Almanac
…brought together his literary skill and astronomical knowledge to publish his first Farmer’s Almanac. Almanacs at the time were invaluable tools for farmers. They offered weather predictions, astronomical data, planting…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
…yields and the physical limits of pre-mechanized farming. Every step—from soil preparation to planting and cultivation—required significant time and effort, making efficiency gains difficult without technological change. Mechanization by 1890:…
Richard Kreps Says Pistachios, Water, and Common Sense Must Lead California Forward
…frustration growers feel when allocations are announced too late to plan crops. Even when water is eventually released, he said, timing often makes it unusable for planting decisions. That uncertainty…
When American Farming Shifted From Hand Power to Horsepower
…the spring tooth harrow appeared. Designed specifically for seedbed preparation, this tool improved soil conditioning, helped control weeds, and created more consistent planting conditions—boosting both yields and reliability. Laying the…
How the Great Depression Transformed American Farmland
…planting to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The message was clear: healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy nation. The War Effort and Renewed Production When the U.S….
Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA on Coverage, Technology, and the Future of California Agriculture
…automation requires extreme precision. Even small planting irregularities can disrupt automated systems. More importantly, he warned against total dependence on technology without understanding the fundamentals. The Importance of a Well-Rounded…