Georgia Milk Producers Launch School Milk Dispenser Initiative to Reduce Waste and Boost Nutrition Georgia milk producers are stepping up to make a big difference in school nutrition. During last week’s Georgia School Nutrition Association meeting, the producers unveiled a major initiative aimed at improving milk consumption and reducing waste in K-12 schools across the state. “The Georgia milk producers …
Henry Groseclose and the Founding of FFA: A Legacy in Agricultural Education
The Vision of Henry Groseclose (1920) Henry Groseclose holds a vital place in American agricultural history. As an agricultural education teacher at Blacksburg, Virginia High School, Groseclose recognized the importance of preparing young people for a future in farming. In March 1920, he organized a club for high school boys who were interested in pursuing agriculture as a career. His …
Lewis B. Schmidt and the First Agricultural History Course in America
Farm Families and the Birth of Agricultural Policy As farm families moved westward and settled across the American heartland, they were unknowingly shaping the foundation of U.S. agriculture. Their struggles, innovations, and resilience created a living history that would later influence government officials tasked with developing agricultural policy. Recognizing the importance of this legacy, a few forward-thinking scholars insisted that …
Founding Fathers, Farming, and the Rise of Agricultural Education
Leaders Who Were Farmers First In 1776, the successful leaders who helped shape the new nation were also among its most accomplished farmers. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson stand out not only as political visionaries but also as agricultural innovators. Both men believed that the strength of the country depended on the productivity of its farms and the ability to …
The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities
The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42 years after the U.S. House of Representatives created the Agriculture Committee to address the growing needs of the nation’s farmers. The U.S. Senate followed suit in 1825, forming its own …
Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Experiences Hands-On Learning Across Alabama
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association recently hosted an impactful weekend for participants in the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), offering valuable exposure to real-world cattle operations, custom meat processing, and leadership development. We spoke with Michael Smith of the Alabama Cattlemen’s to learn more about the experience and what attendees took away from this enriching event. “We actually had just an …
North Georgia Technical College Changes Within Ag Education Programs
Adapting to a Changing Agricultural Landscape North Georgia Technical College is revamping its agriculture curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the industry. With technological advancements and shifting labor dynamics reshaping the way farms and agricultural businesses operate, the college is taking proactive steps to ensure students are well-prepared for careers in modern agriculture. Rusty Logan, Department Chair for Agriculture …
North Georgia Technical College Offers Ag Programs to Students
North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) is opening new doors for students passionate about agriculture. As demand for skilled professionals in farming, ag technology, and animal science continues to grow, NGTC is stepping up to provide hands-on education and workforce-ready training for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Agricultural Programs with a Practical Focus Rusty Logan, Department Chair for Agriculture at …
First Safety Training Focusing on Spray Drones
Mississippi State University made agricultural aviation history last week by hosting the nation’s first Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency (SAFE) training program exclusively focused on spray drones. The training at MSU’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute marked a significant milestone in bridging the gap between traditional aerial applications and emerging drone technology. “Everything that we’re doing with spray drones, we want the …
National Peanut Board Kicks off 2025 Health Nut Club
Peanut farmers invest each year on a checkoff program to promote peanuts around the world. In the USA, the National Peanut Board is officially the sponsor of the program, and they just checked off a new program called the 2025 Health Nut Club. It’s a campaign which was held in April and May on the campus peanut days. One was …