Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Field Crops”
Market attention remains focused on soybean and soybean meal trade volume as the week winds down, following a period of heightened activity and shifting global fundamentals. Trade volume surged to an all-time high last Friday, signaling strong interest and aggressive positioning by market participants. However, activity has pulled back since then, suggesting traders are reassessing direction after the recent spike. …
Labor, Land, and Innovation: How 19th-Century Farming Became More Efficient American agriculture in the 19th century underwent a profound transformation as new tools and techniques reshaped how crops were planted, cultivated, and harvested. A comparison of corn and wheat production between 1850 and 1890 reveals how early mechanization dramatically reduced labor demands while maintaining similar land requirements. These changes laid …
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced what it calls the “strongest protections in agency history” for the over-the-top (OTT) application of dicamba on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops. The new regulatory framework introduces tighter controls while maintaining access to a tool many farmers say is critical for combating herbicide-resistant weeds. According to an EPA press release, “President Trump …
The National Peanut Buying Bonds Association (NPBBA) will hold its annual meeting February 12 through February 15 in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together industry leaders to discuss current challenges and future opportunities across the peanut sector. This year’s meeting theme, From Setback to Comeback: The Power of the Peanut Industry, reflects both recent obstacles and the industry’s outlook moving forward. The …
This week marks the annual meeting of the National Peanut Buying Points Association (NPBPA), as industry leaders gather in Kentucky for several days of meetings, discussion, and networking. This year, the association voted to hold its meeting in conjunction with the National Farm Machinery Show, providing attendees the opportunity to participate in both events. The meeting will take place Thursday, …
Michigan agriculture stands as one of the most diverse and productive farming systems in the United States. From fruit and dairy to beans, potatoes, and wine grapes, the state consistently ranks among the nation’s top agricultural producers. This American Agriculture History Minute highlights why Michigan farmers play such a critical role in feeding the country and supporting rural economies. Over …
February Farm Calendar: Key Peanut Industry Meetings Across the Southeast As farmers finalize plans for the upcoming growing season, February is shaping up to be a busy month for the peanut industry. Several important meetings, conferences, and educational events are scheduled across the Southeast, offering growers opportunities to stay informed, connect with industry partners, and prepare for the year ahead. …
Donald Chase Elected Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission The Georgia Peanut Commission has announced that Donald Chase of Oglethorpe, Georgia, has been elected as the new chairman of the commission. This marks Chase’s first term serving as chairman. He previously served as vice chairman and succeeds Joe Boddiford of Sylvania, Georgia, who completed his term as chairman. Chase expressed …
Cotton Board Names Bev Sylvester as New Chief Marketing Officer for Cotton Incorporated The Cotton Board has announced Bev Sylvester as the new Chief Marketing Officer for Cotton Incorporated, a move aimed at strengthening cotton’s market position and driving long-term demand growth. In her new role, Sylvester will “oversee marketing strategy, brand positioning, consumer engagement and global outreach efforts” to …
From Hand Labor to Heavy Work: Early American Farming Agricultural production in the United States continued to expand in the early 1800s, but farming remained an intensely labor-driven endeavor. Despite growing demand and expanding acreage, efficiency was limited by the tools available to farmers. By 1850, it took an estimated 75 to 90 labor hours to produce 100 bushels of …
