Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Field Crops”
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 …
Peanut Market Update: Lower Prices, Soft Demand, and Global Acreage Cuts The peanut market continues to face pressure as lower prices and shifting global dynamics shape the outlook for the coming year. According to Broker Reports, market participants looking ahead to next season are focused on the 26–27 estimate for how many peanuts may ultimately be planted. With prices currently …
When people think about America’s agricultural powerhouses, Minnesota is not always the first state that comes to mind. Yet in 1915, Minnesota stood at the very center of the U.S. food system. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, the state—driven by milling giants in Minneapolis—became the flour capital of the United States, producing nearly all of …
UGA Ag Forecast: Cotton and Peanut Producers Face Continued Price Pressure The University of Georgia recently released its annual Ag Forecast, offering insights into what producers can expect in the coming year. According to UGA economists, the outlook for key Georgia commodities such as cotton and peanuts remains challenging, driven largely by low prices, high production costs, and ongoing market …
A Snapshot of Agricultural Progress American agriculture has always been shaped by innovation, but few changes were as transformative as the mechanization of farming. In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold outlines how corn production efficiency evolved between 1850 and 1930—revealing how fewer labor hours and less land dramatically increased productivity. Corn Production in 1850: Heavy Labor, Limited Efficiency …
