The wheat numbers in last week’s USDA monthly crop report could garner the most attention in our view. USDA, we expect to place more attention on old crop corn, soybean and wheat supplies. But as one bottom line analyst suggested, he sees USDA quote sitting on their hands again this month, US and world supply demand numbers waiting for July …
From Cross-Check Rows to Modern Planting: Corn Planting
Evolution of Corn Planting in the U.S. In this edition of American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold takes us back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, a period when corn planting was a labor-intensive, hands-on process. Early American farmers used a method known as cross-check planting, where hills of corn were planted in evenly spaced rows running north-south and …
Birth of the Rotary Corn Planter: A Milestone in Agricultural Innovation
American Agriculture History Minute: Deere and Mansour’s Breakthrough in the 1800s In the mid-1800s, the American agricultural industry faced a critical need: a more accurate corn planting solution. Rising to meet this challenge, Charles Deere—son of the legendary John Deere—and Alva Mansour, a family business partner, joined forces to form the Deere and Mansour Company. Operating out of a modest …
Cattle Futures Recap & Trade Uncertainty Affecting Corn and Soybean Prices
Mark Oppold recaps cattle futures and Dale Sandlin shares how trade uncertainty is affecting corn and soybean prices. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
US Corn and Soybean Crop Emergence Progress
The US Corn and Soybean crop progress and emergence is being watched closely. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey shares the details of these crops so far this year. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
Corn & Soybean Planting Progress Outpacing Five Year Average
The US Department of Agriculture is reporting that both Corn and Soybean planting progress across the country is outpacing the 5 year average.  USDA Meterologist Brad Rippey explains. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024
American Agriculture History Minute: Early International Relations and Cold War Impact
Mark Oppold presents an American Agriculture History minute, focusing on the history of the Garst and Thomas Hybrid Corn Company. The story begins in 1931 when Roswell Garst and Charlie Thomas founded their company in Coon Rapids, Iowa. The company played a crucial role in promoting hybrid corn adoption during that era. A significant milestone occurred in 1959 when Roswell …
American Agriculture History Minute: Eugene Funk’s Family Background
Mark Oppold presents an American agriculture history minute focuses on Eugene Funk, grandson of Isaac Funk, who was one of McLean County, Illinois’ pioneering settlers and renowned livestock producers. Eugene’s family background in successful livestock operations influenced their interest in corn improvement. Mark details Eugene’s educational journey, including three years of scientific studies at Yale and a year in Europe. …
American Agriculture History Minute: Butler Manufacturing Company Founded
I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Brothers Charles and Newton Butler founded Butler Manufacturing Company in Kansas City, 1901. The two worked together on building an improved livestock watering tank. And during the early 1900s, the men designed and built several agricultural products, particularly grain storage bins. The company enjoyed success selling the merchandise, and by 1908, …
Corn and Soybean Price Watch
The coming days could be important for the grain trade. Mark Oppold looks at what the potential expectations are for corn and soybeans. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024