Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “This Land of Ours”
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 …
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 power, leaving farm families to rely on daylight for nearly every task. Work began at sunrise and ended when the light faded. Without electricity, homes were illuminated by kerosene lanterns, …
Revolutionizing Cattle Feeding in the 1920s In the mid-1920s, central Iowa cattle feeder Gage A. Kent recognized that raising superior cattle required more than care—it required proper nutrition. While most 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. The Creation of Kent Baby Beef Kent …
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 Square of Ralston Purina, a strong logo becomes instantly recognizable and deeply tied to a brand’s legacy. The Case logo is no exception, with a history that spans more than …
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 Danforth drew inspiration from his own childhood. As a boy, Danforth often wore clothing made from checkerboard-patterned cloth. Whether this was a matter of necessity or personal preference is uncertain, …
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 the largest farm shows in the United States, the event draws farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and agricultural innovators from across the country. But the city’s role in agriculture extends far beyond …
The First Crops in Plymouth Colony When the first settlers arrived in Plymouth, they planted barley and peas brought from England. But their most important crop soon became Indian corn, or maize. Corn was not only more adaptable to New England’s soil and climate but also provided a dependable food source critical for survival. Native Farming Techniques and Fertilization The …
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 irrigation, supporting communities and farmers along its banks for generations. Geography and Significance Flowing 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois, the …
A Remarkable Discovery in Iowa Agriculture In March 2017, history surfaced in an Iowa farm field when farmer Robert Ellis made an extraordinary discovery. While plowing near the Missouri River, Ellis’s equipment unearthed a buried cache of over 2,000 silver coins dating back to the 1850s. The find was not only a surprise to Ellis but also a rare glimpse …
A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in the nation’s agricultural development. Stretching 2,170 miles, the trail connected Missouri to Oregon, serving as a lifeline for thousands of pioneers in the 19th century. Crossing the Heart of the Nation The eastern portion of the …
