Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Praised for Its Unique Applied Research Program The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board continues to stand out as one of the most innovative programs supporting applied research in the cattle industry. This initiative provides researchers, producers, and industry partners with funding to tackle real-world challenges facing Florida cattle operations. We spoke with Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo, who shared …
The Birth of the FFA Blue Jacket: A Proud Tradition Since 1933
The Beginning of a National Legacy I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The history of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is filled with traditions that have shaped generations of agricultural leaders. One of the most iconic symbols of that legacy—the famous blue corduroy jacket—has a story that dates back nearly a century. The very first FFA …
Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role in Applied Beef Cattle Research
Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Drives Critical Research in Cattle Industry The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board continues to make a significant impact on the state’s cattle industry through its dedicated support of applied research. In a recent conversation with Dr. Todd Thrift from the University of Florida, he emphasized how essential the board’s funding has been to research efforts that directly …
Educational Demonstrations Available At Sunbelt Ag Expo
Live Hay Demonstrations Take Center Stage at Sunbelt Ag Expo 2025 The Sunbelt Ag Expo kicks off this week in Moultrie, Georgia, and attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a wide range of educational field demonstrations — especially in the hay fields. We caught up with Dr. Lisa Baxter, who shared exciting updates about this year’s hay …
The Roots of 4-H: Jessie Shambaugh and the Birth of American Agricultural Youth
Honoring Jessie Shambaugh: The Mother of 4-H In the early 1900s, American agriculture was rapidly evolving—and so were the communities that depended on it. At the heart of that progress stood Jessie Shambaugh, a dedicated farm wife whose passion for education and community development helped shape one of the most influential youth organizations in U.S. history: 4-H. Shambaugh was deeply …
National Cattlemen’s Foundation CME Group Scholarship Application Period Now Open
CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship Applications Open for 2025 The National Cattlemen’s Foundation and CME Group have officially opened the application period for the 2025 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship Program, offering financial support to students pursuing careers in agriculture and the beef industry. Todd Johnson, Senior Vice President of Federation Services for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, shared an …
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
A Turning Point in Agricultural Education In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service—a transformative program that reshaped how Americans learned about farming, livestock, and home economics. The law created a system that connected land-grant universities with communities across the nation, ensuring that agricultural innovation and scientific research reached producers and their families …
Florida Commissioner of Ag Applauds MAHA Commission
Wilton Simpson Commits to Tackling Ultra-Processed Foods in Florida School Meals Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is taking a strong stance on improving childhood nutrition by addressing the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in school meals. In a recent press release, Simpson praised national efforts and pledged state-level action if needed. “The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is …
October Proclaimed as Alabama’s Farm To School Month
October Proclaimed Farm to School Month in Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has officially proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Alabama, celebrating the meaningful connection between local farmers, students, and schools. The proclamation brings attention to the Alabama Farm to School Program, which continues to grow in both impact and investment. Since October 2020, the program has received $1.595 …
Georgia Milk Producers Provide Funds To Place Bulk Milk Dispensers in Georgia Schools
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 …










