…in loose form—a method that consumed significant storage space and made transportation both slow and inefficient. The introduction of a mechanical hay press fundamentally changed this process. These original presses…
The Westward Expansion of American Agriculture: Wheat, Corn, and the Rise of Dairy Farming
…for sale. This system made Midwest farms more efficient and resilient, especially during a time when transportation infrastructure lagged far behind agricultural growth. The close relationship between corn farming and…
The Future of California Farming: Insights from Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities
…cutting corners are underbidding responsible carriers, pushing rates artificially low. Foglio warned that the industry no longer supports reinvestment into new equipment — a major red flag for transportation reliability…
Early 19th Century Farming Shaped America’s Economy
…American victory in the War of 1812 strengthened national confidence, encouraging settlers to move west. New transportation breakthroughs—including the construction of canals and the introduction of steamboats—revolutionized the movement of…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture in the 1860s
…new lines crisscrossed the nation, they connected rural farmers to distant cities and ports, turning isolated homesteads into key suppliers for a growing industrial economy. This new transportation network dramatically…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads: Insights from Fresno County Farm Bureau President Ryan Jacobsen
…and must continue celebrating that success while highlighting how deeply agriculture supports the state’s ports, transportation sectors, and local economies. When Education Connects, It Works When the Ag Meter asked…
Building the Future of Ag Education at Merced College
…work today. Preparing for Tomorrow’s Farming Jacobsen understands that the challenges facing agriculture — water regulations, labor shortages, transportation costs, and environmental pressures — require new thinking. “What we’re doing…
Early 19th-Century American Farming and Westward Expansion
…construction of canals and the introduction of steamboats revolutionized transportation, opening new areas for agriculture and trade. These innovations allowed settlers to move inland, connecting previously isolated farming regions to…
Ethnic Roots of American Agriculture: How Immigrants Shaped U.S. Farming
…arrived in America without land or resources, starting instead as wage laborers. Merchants and artisans often sponsored young workers from Europe, covering their transportation costs in exchange for labor in…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture
…America as the nation expanded westward. The idea of a “rail highway” was first envisioned by Colonel John Stevens in 1812, marking the beginning of a transportation revolution that would…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…freight and transportation. He recalled earlier conversations with truckers and rail experts who described chaos in the system—unsafe drivers, lost permits, and mismanagement at every level. “We were giving away…
Ohio River: A Lifeline of American Agriculture
Introduction The Ohio River has played a crucial role in shaping American agriculture and commerce. Stretching nearly a thousand miles, this historic waterway has been central to trade, transportation, and…
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
…Grafton, Illinois. Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade Importance to Native Americans and Early Trade Before modern infrastructure, waterways were the lifeblood of transportation and trade. For Native…
California Farmers Face Policy, Energy, and Innovation Challenges
…to transportation. While recent limited oil permits were approved, Kerr believes federal pressure likely influenced that decision, underscoring how state and federal priorities are colliding. Freight, Energy, and the Push…