The Iron Tracks That Changed Rural America I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture Railroads dramatically changed the face of agriculture and rural…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
A Passionate Voice for California Agriculture Elaine Culotti Nick Papagni opened his show with unmistakable enthusiasm, welcoming a guest who’s become a household name in California and beyond—Elaine Culotti, known…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
…directly. The Cooperative Extension Service helped rural families improve crop production, livestock health, and household management. It bridged the gap between university research and on-the-ground application, giving farmers the tools…
David Tangipa: Fighting for California Farmers and Rejecting Proposition 50
A New Voice Rising from California’s Heartland David Tangipa (L) with the “Ag Meter” In a state that feeds the world but often seems to fight its own farmers, Assemblyman…
Why Prop 50 Threatens Rural Representation: California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass
Shannon Douglass Why Prop 50 Threatens Rural Representation: As Californians prepare to cast their ballots, Proposition 50 has emerged as one of the most controversial measures on the docket. At…
How Rural Electrification Transformed U.S. Farms
Life Before Electricity on the Farm In the early 1930s, life in rural America looked vastly different from city living. Roughly nine out of ten rural homes were without electric…
Gage A. Kent and the Birth of Kent Feeds
…feed at the time relied on low-cost fillers, Kent believed that young calves deserved high-quality feed supplements to ensure better growth and health. Gage A. Kent and the Birth of…
Mando Perez: Innovation & Leadership in California Ag
A Conversation with a Leading PCA Mando Perez Nick Papagni recently had the opportunity to speak with Mando Perez, Southern California Territory PCA and president of the Kern County CAPCA,…
The Iconic Case Eagle Logo: A Symbol of History and Innovation
The Story Behind Case’s Iconic Eagle Logo Logos are more than just graphics—they are enduring symbols of a company’s identity. From the Leaping Deer of John Deere to the Checkerboard…
California’s Water Puzzle: Insights from Avid Water’s Cory Broad
…plenty of family farms of every size. It’s a healthy mix, and that’s one of the things that makes California agriculture so strong.” Investors Entering the Ag Space Papagni then…
Purina’s Checkerboard Logo: An Agricultural Icon
A Symbol Rooted in Childhood The Ralston Purina checkerboard logo remains one of the most recognizable symbols in American agriculture. Its history stretches back to 1904, when company founder William…
Alexandra Duarte’s Fight for California’s Future
From Farming Roots to Public Service Alexandra Duarte Alexandra Duarte, a candidate for California’s Fourth State Senate District, says her decision to run comes from a lifelong commitment to farming…
Grand Island: From Settlers’ Trail to Husker Harvest Days
Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Each September, Grand Island, Nebraska, becomes the center of attention in the farming world as it hosts Husker Harvest Days. Known as one of…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…wages, health care, and insurance add to the financial pressures. While McCormick acknowledged the necessity of fair wages and benefits, he emphasized that government support has been nonexistent. Instead, McCormick…




















